Seminar Goals

1. Managing Holiday Stress: 10 Keys to Maintaining Wellness Throughout The HolidaysPresented by Julie Johnson, LPC, CEAPJulie.Johnson@cignabehavioral.com

2. Seminar Goals • Identify the main sources of holiday stress • Identify ways to manage holiday stress and exercise healthy choices • Develop and (later put into practice) a plan for insuring a healthier, happier holiday • Know the benefits of your EAP

3. Creating a Healthy Holiday – Key #1 Let go of unrealistic expectations: Can’t recreate the past Can’t have perfect holidays APPLICATION—One thing I would like to have happen this holiday season that probably will NOT is: _____________________

4. Creating a Healthy Holiday – Key #2 Acknowledge and express feelings honestly: Give yourself permission to feel Common feelings—sadness due to prior losses such as divorce, deaths, separation; anxiety, dread, pressures APPLICATION—One thing I feel today as the holidays are approaching is: ___________________

5. Creating a Healthy Holiday – Key #3 If you’re an isolator, keep busy Invite others to get together Be proactive, not reactive APPLICATION—One friend or group I could get together with is: __________________________

6. Creating a Healthy Holiday – Key #4 Re-evaluate your traditions. Ask yourself: • Do I like to do it? • Would the holidays be the same without it? • Can it be shared? • Why do I do it? APPLICATION—One “tradition” I may need to give up is: ____________________________

7. Creating a Healthy Holiday – Key #5 Don’t expect extended-family problems to disappear just because it’s the holiday season Reduce the amount of time you plan to spend with difficult family members Let go of past conflicts, resentments and learn to forgive Balance your own needs with your family’s needs APPLICATION—One positive family member I will spend time with is:_________________________

8. Creating a Healthy Holiday – Key #6 Prepare for the extra intensity Take quiet times to be rejuvenated Eliminate stressful or unnecessary activities and chores APPLICATION—One activity I can abandon is: ______________________________

9. Creating a Healthy Holiday – Key #7 Don’t forget to nurture yourself. Strike a balance between caring for others and caring for yourself. It’s not selfish to do something special for yourself over the holidays. APPLICATION—One thing I will do for myself is: ________________________________

10. Creating a Healthy Holiday – Key #8 Struggles with loneliness or loss: Go to a place where you can find support and encouragement Volunteer; helping others takes focus off one’s own pain APPLICATION—One activity I will do for _________________ is: ______________

11. Creating a Healthy Holiday – Key #9 Be careful about over-indulging Eat, drink, smoke and spend in moderation Non-alcoholic drinks More exercise Watch those sugary treats Go for foods high in protein APPLICATION—One way I will exercise is to_____________ for ___ minutes each day.

12. Creating a Healthy Holiday – Key #10 Remind yourself of the true meaning of the holidays Focus on what is most positive about the holidays Beware of excessive commercialism APPLICATION—I will remind myself of the importance of __________________ this year.

13. Benefits of the EAP • Confidential • Prepaid • Face-to-face counseling visits • Available 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week • Household Benefit