Category Archives: Holiday gatherings

The Power of Vacations for Boosting Mental Health

Healthy Coping Mechanisms, Healthy Relationship, Holiday gatherings, Keep yourself first, Mental Health, Stay Safe, Vacation, ,
Why Vacations are Important for Mental Health:

Imagine your brain is like a muscle.  Just like  your muscles need rest after working hard, your brain needs a break too.  Vacations give your brain the chance to rest and recharge.  When you’re constantly busy with school, chores, and other responsibilities, it can make your brain feel tired and stressed out.  But when you take a holiday/vacation, it’s like giving your brain a mini-vacation too!

  1. Have your ever felt overwhelmed by all the things we have to do in a day?  That’s stress. Vacations give you a break from all the things that cause stress.  Whether it’s school, homework, and any other worries, taking time away from them can help your brain recharge.
  2. Have you ever noticed how happy you feel when you’re doing something you love, like playing with friends or spending time outdoors? Vacations are full of opportunities to do things that make you happy.
  3. Have you ever had a really cool idea pop into your head while you were daydreaming or playing?  That’s your creativity at work!
  4. Vacations are a great way to spend time with people you love.
  5. Did you know that what’s good for your body is also good for your brain?  Activities including swimming, hiking, or playing sports not only keep your body healthy but also release feel-good chemicals called endorphins.

Vacations are like a breath of fresh air for your brain, they give you a chance to relax, have fun, and recharge your mental batteries.  By reducing stress, improving mood, sparking creativity, building relationships, and promoting physical health.  So next time you have a chance to vacation and worried about money, take a step back think of all the memories and rest you can get and take that leap of faith.  Your brain will thank you for it!!

Therapeutic Escapes: Combining therapy and vacation can be a healthy way of fully rejuvenating your mind.  For more information on seeking how check out our staff to find the perfect person to meet your needs, Click here .
Some great reads for vacation from amazon:
Self love Workbook for Women;  click here
Learn, Grow, Forgive;  click here
The Shack;  click here
Healing Inner Child Workbook;  click here
Meditation Guide;  click here

CAVEAT*** Always consult your doctor before starting new therapies or vacations for optimal mental health.

 

 

I hope you all have a wonderful memorial weekend, whether you celebrate the holiday or not, relax your mind and enjoy yourself!!

With love,

Monique

 

 

 

 

The Impact of Holiday Gatherings on Mental Health and Coping Mechanisms to Get Through it

Healthy Coping Mechanisms, Healthy Relationship, Holiday gatherings, Mental Health, , , ,

 

Easter brings people together for joy and bonding.  Yet, family gatherings may also bring tension.  Finding ways to manage this stress helps maintain harmony.

Read our excerpt about anxiety, Click here

Easter gatherings can have positive effects on mental health:

  1. Feeling connected: Holidays give us a chance to be with family and friends again, which can make us feel like we belong and less alone.
  2. Emotional Help:  Sharing happy and sad times with family helps us deal with tough feelings better and makes us stronger emotionally.

Negative effects of Easter Gatherings on Mental Health Include:

  1. Family Conflict:  Easter gatherings may bring unresolved conflicts to the surface.  Differences in opinions, values, and lifestyles can escalate into arguments.
  2. Pressure and Expectations:  The pressure to conform familial expectations and traditions can create stress and anxiety.  Individuals may feel compelled to present themselves in a certain way that may not be comfortable with.

Dealing with holiday gatherings can be tough, but there are ways to cope:

  1. Set Boundaries:  It’s important to tell your family what’s okay and what’s not.  If things get too much, take a break.
  2. Active Listening: Pay attention to what others are saying and try to understand their feelings.
  3. Manage Expectations:  Don’t aim for perfection.  Focus on enjoying the moment, flaws and all.
  4. Take Care of Yourself:  Do things that make you happy before, during, and after family gatherings, like meditating or exercising.
  5. Be grateful and Get support:  Talk to someone outside your family for a different perspective.  Focus on the good things about your family to feel better.  Changing your mindset can change your life.

Easter gatherings, lasting only two days, can deeply affect our mental well-being, for better or worse.  Recognizing these potential impacts beforehand can prepare us to appreciate and support each other, emphasizing the importance of love and connection during these times.

For more information,  Click here

I hope you have a safe and happy holiday.

Love,

Monique

 

References:

A psychiatrist’s guide to surviving family gatherings. (n.d.). https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/surviving-family-gatherings