Page 17 - Nov-Dec 2020 Reporter

...Insurance Update continued
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to appreciate. Go out of your way to
find ways to align, rather than divide,
to elevate, rather than bring down.
And remember the most important
things in life don’t come in gift wrap
or get handed to you by a delivery
driver. Give thanks generously!
6. Spend wisely. The holidays may be
an especially triggering time if prone
to impulse spending. One of the
best ways to avoid holiday financial
stress is to reel back your budget,
then stick to it. Try not to “stress
spend.” Instead, get creative with
respect to what gifting looks like
this year. Think about homemade
gifts you can create on a budget
or make together with family or
friends. Resurrect the hand-written
holiday card. Let yourself off the
hook for buying as many gifts as
you typically would or spending
as much you have in years past.
Overspending can lead to stress
and depression when bills arrive
after the holidays are over. For most,
holidays ignite feelings that are
happy, merry and bright.
7. Divvy up your task list. Don’t feel
you need to do all the shopping and
take care of everything on your own. Have a virtual holiday sing-along or the sidewalk. Ask questions. Make
It can be too much pressure to put on slumber party with matching pyjamas sure people you can impact feel your
yourself with your plate already full this and your favorite hot chocolate or positivity and care this season.
year. People are happy to help if asked. cocktail recipe sent out to everyone in 13. Arm wrestle your cell phone. Who’s in
Divvy up your list of things to do, or advance. control? You or your phone? If you think
trade tasks with a friend to consolidate 10. Take a break from work. Time off can being on your phone constantly means
shopping, errands or pick-ups. be used in many ways that don’t involve you are “connected”, then the reality is
8. Learn to say no. It can be difficult to travel. Taking a break from work is you are probably “distracted.” Take the
say no. After all, many of us are people proven to reduce stress and decrease Holiday Mindfulness Pledge, promoted
pleasers and helpers. We feel guilty if the likelihood of burnout. If you have by John M. Grohol, Psy.D., writer for
we don’t help someone we love. We vacation days, use them! Pledge to truly PsychCentral.com. “I will not reach for
may even fear rejection. But learning shut down, focus on what’s important to my phone at a holiday gathering with
to say no is a healthy way to establish you, and take needed time for mental, my friends or family to distract me
boundaries if you are continuously emotional, and physical rejuvenation. (even from something momentarily
feeling overextended. Even more 11. Help thy neighbour. The Mayo Clinic uncomfortable with those around me).”
importantly, saying no to one thing can reports that volunteering decreases the 14. Get some sunlight. Millions of people
create the possibility for us to say YES risk of depression, provides purpose, are affected by seasonal affective
to what we personally prioritize as the and may even help you live longer! disorder (SAD) each year. Sunlight can
important things we need for ourselves You don’t have to serve at a food help stimulate the production of feel-
this season. bank to give back this year! Interact good serotonin that helps relieve SAD.
9. Rewrite the rules. Make some new in a way that you feel physically most You should spend time outdoors or near
traditions with friends or family this comfortable. This could mean making a window if going outside isn’t possible.
year. Wherever you are, whatever your phone calls for a local charity, sending Ask your doctor about phototherapy,
situation, find ways to start something home-made cards to our military, or a treatment using a box that emits full
fresh. Some ideas include reading one helping stuff gift bags at your own spectrum light.
of your favorite holiday stories aloud. home, where you feel safe from close 15. Ask for help. Know when you can’t do
You can even do this for a loved one or personal interaction. it alone. Reach out to a trusted friend,
friend over the phone or virtually. Make 12. Check in on your circle. Keep a pulse a family member, your company’s
special, homemade ornaments. Play a on vulnerable friends and neighbours. Employee Assistance Program, or local
game to see who remembers the most Don’t assume everyone is okay. A mental health provider.
lyrics from your favorite holiday song. quick call or wave, a conversation from

www.lbmao.on.ca LBMAO Reporter - November-December 2020 17