6 Ways a Counselor Can Help You During the Holidays
The holidays are speed bumps of extremity on the road of life. They’re often the happiest or saddest moments we experience. But those emotions aren’t intrinsic to the holidays. Rather, the feelings have more to do with how you approach those moments. Counselors, in particular, can act as guides down the road of life and will help you navigate the holidays. But the efficiency with which they’re able to do so often depends on keeping the following points in mind.
1. Navigate Seasonal Depression
Have you ever noticed that you start feeling down when the summer fades into fall and winter? This is a common issue among people who suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The lack of sunlight, time outdoors, and more often causes depression in people subject to SAD. This can cause the winter holidays to be even more difficult. But, conversely, counseling can help to mitigate SAD.
2. Help With Diet and Lifestyle
Most people know that diet and exercise have a significant impact on their mood. However, actually sticking to healthy lifestyles is easier said than done. And holidays are especially hard in that respect. The time before and after big holiday meals can be especially stressful. Counselors can help prepare you for those events so that you can enjoy the food and still maintain the lifestyle that you’ve chosen.
3. Preserve and Prepare for Shifting Family Dynamics
The holidays are both a time to appreciate family and one where family tends to become a point of conflict. Counselors can help you focus on the important parts of the family dynamic while learning to deal with issues tied to the holidays. Additionally, many counselors work with entire families to ensure everyone is on the same path toward harmonious holidays.
4. Loss and Mourning
One of the hardest things about the holidays can be an empty seat at the table. Dealing with the loss of a loved one is hard even in the most uneventful moments. But it’s hard not to dwell on the loss during days when it feels they should be by your side. Counseling can help prepare you for the feelings and deal with their aftermath in the coming days.
5. Setting Reasonable Goals
It’s easy to feel like you should be doing better during the holidays – whatever that means. But counselors can help to remind you that you’re only human and need to rethink what you’re trying to accomplish. You don’t need to be a Superman, you just need to be the best version of yourself that you can be. And counselors excel in nurturing that growth.
6. Reminders to Take Care of Everyone – Including Yourself
One of the harder things about the holidays is the sheer scope. You’re typically being pulled in a million directions at once. It’s not even that you’re forced into it. It’s often times easier to fight against something that you’re forced into. Rather, you’re being pulled by ties of love and obligation that you normally cherish. Counselors can help you distribute your time, care, concern, and love during the holidays. But just as importantly, they remind you to take care of yourself as well.
