Posts on ‘holidays’

Holiday Stress to Holiday Success

Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024

Written by Jody Pierce, LCSW Executive Director, Pennock Center for Counseling All kinds of things can contribute to stress during the holiday season; our self-expectations and the expectations of others, the number of things to do, the financial burden, and the emotions that arise at this time of year. Here are some suggestions that may […]

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‘Tis the Season

Tuesday, November 29th, 2022

by Noemi Flores, MSW, CSW The holiday season is typically perceived as a time of celebration, a time of giving, sharing, and creating traditions. However, for many individuals the holidays can be filled with increased anxiety, stress, grief, and financial pressure. There are numerous reasons why the holidays can feel blue rather than jolly and […]

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The Holidays & COVID-19

Tuesday, October 13th, 2020

Article by:  Lauren Cloud, LMFT “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” …under normal circumstances. Many of us are sitting with very strong, uncomfortable feelings about the holidays due to the pandemic. Many of us will not be able to see our families or engage in our usual rituals. While we are all still […]

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Boundaries & Stress Management During the Holiday Season

Tuesday, December 3rd, 2019

Written by Meghan Ringler, MSW Intern The holiday season can be cheerful and joyous as time with loved ones is shared and traditions enjoyed. However, the holidays can be a time of stress as conflicts between family members and friends is escalated and the pressure to achieve the “perfect” holiday get-together can be over the […]

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Healthy Coping & Holiday Stress

Monday, November 19th, 2018

by Rachel Morici-Leirer, LPC It is no mystery that the holidays can bring up depression, loss and overwhelm. The effects are understandable; holidays bring about increased demands, pressure, financial stress and perhaps grief and longing, especially when we have lost a loved one. Let’s focus on what you can do to minimize the holiday blues […]

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Slow Down: Embrace the Changing Seasons

Wednesday, November 15th, 2017

Article by Leslie Larsen, LCSW When you’re busy juggling work and family, a social life, and countless other things, it’s easy to let the seasons slip away. Taking time to stop and smell the roses (or in this case, the mulled cider) is important for both your mental and physical health. Indulge Your Desire to […]

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Accessing Happiness During the Holidays

Monday, December 12th, 2016

By Rachel Morici, LPC Holidays are a time to celebrate and enjoy life, but for some, it can be challenging. These great tips can help get you through the season. Many of us struggle during the holidays. Perhaps we are triggered by the loss of what used to be, nostalgia and melancholy or the shorter […]

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Healthy Coping & Holiday Stress

Thursday, December 10th, 2015

By Rachel Morici, LPC It is no mystery that the holidays can bring up depression, loss and overwhelming feelings. The effects are understandable; holidays bring about increased demands, pressure, financial stress and perhaps grief and longing, especially when we have lost a loved one. Let’s focus on what we can do to minimize the holiday […]

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Finding Joy

Wednesday, November 28th, 2007

The holidays often include times of stress, fatigue, and challenges of all kinds.  At the same time, we have great expectations of happiness during the holidays and the television images, magazine images and store advertising all reinforce this.  Unfortunately these expectations are frequently not satisfied.  We see stories of hope, love, fulfillment; but may feel loneliness, grief, and pressure.  Adjusting our expectations and changing our view of happiness can lead to a truer sense of joy.

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