From the counselor’s desk……
Your Holiday Survival Guide!
Winter break is coming!
While this is certainly a time for respite and rejuvenation, for some it
can also bring on holiday and family stress.
Whether it be family drama, gift buying frenzies, too many parties and
so little time, or nervous anticipation of next semester, sometimes we can get
bogged down in all the mess in our minds.
In that light, I have compiled some tips for you to get through the
holidays:
·
Say “no” when you need to. And say it guilt free! This is your time of rest too!
·
Let go of trying to control what other people
say or do. You only have control over
your own actions so own those and let the rest be.
·
Skip, leave early, go late, or drive your own
car to holiday parties or family gatherings.
·
Spend quality time with supportive people.
· Set a positive intention.
·
Express your feelings in a positive and
assertive way.
·
Do not be passive aggressive – this gets no one
anywhere.
·
Exercise every day for at least 15 minutes.
·
Start and end each day with gratitude.
·
Keep healthy snacks handy as you are running to
and fro all over town.
·
Be mindful of your sleep hygiene. It’s easy to get your sleep cycle off track
over the break and it will be HARD to get it back when next semester starts!
·
Schedule an appointment with your counselor to
process after the holidays.
·
Create your own holiday self-care ritual. Wanna know mine? Thought you’d never ask….
Just add coffee and a good book :)
With a little forethought and realistic
expectations, the holidays can be enjoyable, relaxing and a good reset for
what’s next. I hope each of you take
time to take care of YOU this winter
break. We will be here when you get
back so don’t hesitate to call if you’d like someone to talk to!
Please be advised: The Student Health &
Counseling Center will be closed at noon December 21st until 8am on January
7th. If you experience a crisis over
winter break and need to speak with a counselor immediately please call the
main office number at 474-7043 and follow the prompts to reach a crisis
counselor.
Best
wishes this holiday season!
Kiana
Carr, LMFT
Student
Health & Counseling
907-474-7043
UA is an AA/EO
employer and educational institution and prohibits illegal discrimination
against any individual: www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination.