Kristin Marquet 11/1/23 Kristin Marquet 11/1/23

Boundaries: The Key to Mental Well-Being

Setting boundaries is an essential aspect of maintaining good mental health. Boundaries help individuals establish limits for what they are willing and able to tolerate in their relationships, interactions, and environment. These physical, emotional, or psychological boundaries are essential for maintaining a sense of self and self-respect.

Here are some reasons why setting boundaries is essential for mental health:

Protecting yourself from negative influences: Boundaries help you protect yourself from negative influences such as toxic relationships, negative self-talk, or emotionally draining situations. Setting and enforcing boundaries is a crucial aspect of self-care and self-protection. Here are some tips to help you protect yourself from negative influences:

Identify the negative influences: Start by identifying the sources of negativity in your life. This could be a person, a situation, or even your thoughts and behaviors.
Set clear boundaries: Once you've identified the negative influences, set clear boundaries for yourself. For example, limit the time you spend with a toxic friend or avoid specific topics of conversation with a family member who tends to be critical.
Communicate your boundaries: It's important to communicate your boundaries clearly and assertively. Let others know what you're comfortable with and what you're not. Be firm but respectful.
Be consistent: Enforcing your boundaries can be difficult, especially if you're used to putting others' needs before yours. But it's important to be consistent and stick to your boundaries, even if uncomfortable or inconvenient.
Seek support: If you're struggling to set and enforce boundaries, or if you're dealing with particularly challenging negative influences, consider seeking support from a therapist, coach, or trusted friend or family member.

Reduces stress: When you set clear boundaries, you can reduce the amount of stress in your life. You can prioritize your needs and say no to things that don't serve you, leading to a more balanced and relaxed lifestyle.

Setting boundaries helps you prioritize your needs and focus on what's important to you. It allows you to say no to things that may cause stress or anxiety, and to make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation. By reducing the demands and pressures on you, you can create a more balanced and relaxed lifestyle, which in turn can help reduce stress and promote better mental health.

Increases self-esteem: When you set boundaries, you tell others you value yourself and your time. This can increase your self-esteem and confidence.

When you set boundaries, you communicate to yourself and others that you have a clear sense of self-worth and self-respect. You're showing that you value your time, energy, and resources, and that you're willing to stand up for your own needs and desires. Doing so demonstrates confidence and assertiveness, which can help boost your self-esteem and self-confidence. When you feel good about yourself and your abilities, you're more likely to take on challenges and pursue your goals with determination and resilience.

Improves relationships: Setting boundaries can also improve your relationships. When you clearly communicate your needs and limits, others know how to treat you respectfully and carefully. This can lead to more positive and fulfilling relationships.

Setting boundaries can improve your relationships by establishing clear expectations and guidelines for how you want to be treated. When you communicate your needs and limits, others can better understand your perspective and respect your boundaries. This can lead to more positive and fulfilling relationships, where both parties feel heard, valued, and respected. By setting boundaries, you can also avoid misunderstandings and conflicts when expectations are unclear. This can help create a more harmonious and supportive environment where everyone can thrive and grow together.

Prevents burnout: You may take on too much without boundaries or say yes to everything. This can lead to burnout, exhaustion, and feeling overwhelmed. Setting boundaries can prevent this from happening.

Taking on too much or saying ‘yes’ to everything can be easy without clear boundaries, leading to burnout, exhaustion, and feeling overwhelmed. When you set boundaries, you establish limits for yourself and communicate them to others, which can prevent you from taking on too much. By prioritizing your needs and saying no to things that don't serve you, you can avoid overextending yourself and spreading yourself too thin. This can help you maintain a healthy balance and prevent burnout, giving you the energy and motivation to pursue the things that matter most to you.

Protects your mental health: Setting boundaries is a form of self-care. When you prioritize your own mental health and well-being, you can protect yourself from negative influences and situations that may harm your mental health.

Setting boundaries is a powerful form of self-care that helps protect your mental health and well-being. When you prioritize your own needs and limit exposure to negative influences, you create a protective shield around yourself that helps keep you emotionally and mentally healthy. This can help you avoid toxic relationships, situations, and activities that may cause stress, anxiety, or other mental health problems. By setting boundaries, you're taking control of your life and proactively working to safeguard your mental health. This can lead to greater empowerment, self-esteem, and resilience, allowing you to navigate life's challenges more quickly and confidently.

Trauma or past negative experiences: Individuals who have experienced trauma or negative experiences may need to set boundaries to protect their mental health. For example, they may need to limit contact with certain people or situations that may trigger memories of traumatic events.

Individuals who have experienced trauma or negative experiences in their past may find it necessary to set boundaries to protect their mental health. Trauma can profoundly impact a person's mental health and make it difficult to trust others or feel safe in certain situations. For example, someone who has experienced emotional abuse may need to set boundaries to limit contact with people who are emotionally abusive or manipulative. Similarly, someone who has experienced physical or sexual abuse may need to set boundaries to limit contact with people who trigger memories of the abuse. By setting clear boundaries, individuals can create a sense of safety and control in their lives and protect their mental health from further harm.

Codependency: People who struggle with codependency may find it difficult to set boundaries in their relationships, leading to feelings of exhaustion, resentment, and burnout. By setting clear boundaries, they can learn to prioritize their own needs and reduce their dependence on others for validation and approval.

Codependency is a common issue in which people prioritize the needs of others over their own, often to the point of neglecting their own well-being. This can lead to feelings of exhaustion, resentment, and burnout, as well as difficulty in setting boundaries. By setting clear boundaries, individuals struggling with codependency can learn to prioritize their needs and reduce their dependence on others for validation and approval. For example, they may need to communicate their needs and limits to others, learn to say "no" when necessary, and set aside time for self-care activities. Doing so can improve their mental health and create more balanced and fulfilling relationships. It's important to note that overcoming codependency can be a complex and challenging process, and seeking the help of a therapist or support group may be necessary for some individuals.

Work-life balance: Individuals who struggle with work-life balance may benefit from setting boundaries to protect their time and energy outside work. For example, they may need to limit their work hours, avoid taking work calls or emails during personal time, or set aside time for self-care activities.

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential for overall well-being and mental health. However, individuals who struggle with work-life balance may find it difficult to set boundaries and prioritize their time outside of work. By setting clear boundaries, individuals can protect their time and energy outside of work, which can reduce stress, improve mental health, and greater satisfaction in their personal and professional lives. For example, they may need to limit their work hours, avoid taking work calls or emails during personal time, or set aside time for self-care activities. Doing so can create a sense of balance in their lives and improve their mental health. It's important to note that setting boundaries in the workplace can be challenging, and individuals may need to communicate their needs and limits to their employer or colleagues clearly and assertively. Seeking the help of a therapist or coach can also be beneficial for those who struggle with work-life balance.

Personal values and beliefs: People may need to set boundaries to align with their personal values and beliefs. For example, they may need to avoid conversations or situations that conflict with their beliefs, or they may need to stand up for their values in certain situations.

Setting boundaries can also be necessary to align with one's personal values and beliefs. This can include avoiding conversations or situations that conflict with one's beliefs, or standing up for one's values in certain situations. By setting clear boundaries, individuals can uphold their values and beliefs, which can lead to greater authenticity and self-respect. For example, someone who values honesty may need to set boundaries with a friend who is constantly lying or manipulating others. Similarly, someone who has strong religious beliefs may need to set boundaries in certain social situations to avoid engaging in behaviors that conflict with their beliefs.
By setting boundaries in line with their personal values and beliefs, individuals can improve their mental health and sense of self-worth. It's important to note that setting boundaries in these situations can be challenging, and may require communication skills and assertiveness. Seeking the help of a therapist or coach can be beneficial for those who need support in setting and maintaining boundaries related to personal values and beliefs.

Social anxiety or introversion: Individuals who struggle with social anxiety or introversion may find it helpful to set boundaries around social interactions to protect their mental health. For example, they may need to limit their exposure to large crowds, set aside alone time after social events, or communicate their need for personal space with others.

Individuals who struggle with social anxiety or introversion may find it necessary to set boundaries around social interactions to protect their mental health. This can include limiting exposure to large crowds, setting aside alone time after social events, or communicating their need for personal space with others. By setting clear boundaries, individuals can reduce their anxiety and stress levels, and create a sense of control in their social interactions. It's important to note that setting boundaries related to social anxiety or introversion can be challenging and may require communication skills and assertiveness. Seeking the help of a therapist or coach can be beneficial for those who need support in setting and maintaining boundaries related to social anxiety or introversion. Developing coping strategies for managing anxiety and introversion can also be helpful in conjunction with boundary setting.

Final thoughts:

It's important to remember that setting boundaries is not about being selfish or rude, but about taking care of yourself and your mental health. By setting clear boundaries, you're communicating your needs and expectations respectfully and assertively, which can help you create a more positive and fulfilling life for yourself. Setting boundaries allows you to prioritize your well-being and establish healthy relationships with others, which can improve your mental health and overall quality of life. Remember, setting boundaries is a form of self-care that can help you maintain balance, empowerment, and inner peace.

Heather Heinzinger 11/7/22 Heather Heinzinger 11/7/22

Simple Ways to Navigate Holiday Stress and Loneliness and Bring in the Holiday Season with Ease

New Year's resolutions are a common practice among many people. However, such resolutions often need to be revised by those who set them by February. People give up on their resolutions because they simultaneously set themselves up with too many of them. Rather than setting new year’s resolutions this year, we should focus on what we want to achieve in the next few weeks or months and make small changes to our lifestyle to achieve it. Continue reading to learn how to navigate the holidays and put your best foot forward this new year.

How to navigate the holiday stress

- The first step is to think about what you want your holiday season to look like. Ask yourself:

Do you want it to be more relaxed or more active?
Do you want it to be focused on family or friends?
Do you want it all?

Once you know what type of experience you would like, the next thing is figuring out how much money and resources are available for your plan. If your budget is tight, then there are still things that can be done without spending much money. For example, hosting a potluck dinner instead of buying gifts for everyone. If your budget is more flexible, then the options open up significantly. For example, taking a vacation somewhere exotic or throwing an extravagant party for all of your loved ones.

- Be realistic about what you want: If you have little free time, try to do only a few things in one day or week!

You can ensure that your activities are addressed by being realistic about what is possible with your schedule.

- Learn how to set boundaries in general. It is essential to set some boundaries for yourself and your family.

The holidays are a better time for perfecting your diet or exercise routine. It is essential that you allow yourself and your family members to enjoy themselves without feeling guilty about it.

- How to have difficult conversations during the holiday season

It's that time of year again. You know, the one where your family inevitably comes into town, and you want to avoid all of your difficult conversations. Well, with a bit of preparation, you can make it through this inevitable challenge. Here are some tips for how to have difficult conversations during the holiday season:

Set boundaries. Let your family know ahead of time the topics you would like to stay away from discussing.
Try not to engage in conversation that will escalate into an argument.
Listen to what the other person is saying and try to understand their point of view.
Agree to disagree.
If the person keeps engaging you to upset you, just walk away. It will help you maintain calmness and grace.
Recommend other topics that are easy to discuss, such as movies, music, and television shows.
Try to focus on family traditions.

- How to Handle the loss of a loved one during the holiday season

The holiday season is a time of joy but can also be a time of hardship. This can be especially true if you are experiencing the loss of a loved one. The best way to handle difficult conversations during this time is to first get in touch with your feelings, talk to close family and friends, and then share with others in your life who may not know what you're going through.

- Buy yourself some time if you need to think through your best decision.

Get your boundary statements out, such as "I am not sure what my plans are, but I can let you know by X," or "Thank you for the invitation; I need to figure out my schedule, and I will get back to you tomorrow." Having go-to boundary statements can help you buy time and think through what is best for you.

- If you're feeling overwhelmed by your responsibilities, take a break and do something relaxing or fun for an hour or two.

For you to take a break, it's vital that you understand what is going on in your life and how much time you have for yourself. If you feel overwhelmed by all your responsibilities, take an hour out of the day to do something relaxing or fun for yourself.

- If it is a nice day outside, try to spend time outdoors. It can help boost your mood.

Go outside, even for a short time, to help boost your mood. Being outdoors in warm weather gives you a natural high and helps fight the winter blues. A study by Dr. Richard Wiseman at the University of Edinburgh found that people who spend time in green areas, such as parks, had higher positive feelings than those who spend time in gray areas, such as shopping malls. It only took 11 minutes for participants to start feeling happier and more energetic.

- Take some time off of work so you can do something you enjoy.

It's essential to take some time off of work so you can do something you enjoy. Sometimes taking a break from your day-to-day life can help relieve stress and makes you feel more energized when you return to work. You also might be surprised by what you come up with while on vacation.

- Make sure you have enough sleep during the busy holiday season.

The holiday season is a time of excitement and joy. Unfortunately, it's also a time of high stress and anxiety. Getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season can be easy, but it's important to remember to get enough sleep to ensure you can function correctly.

- Plan ahead.

Start by writing down all the things that need to be done before the holidays start, then prioritize them in order of importance and urgency. The holidays are a busy time, and it can be hard to manage everything that needs to be done before they start. To avoid any last-minute disaster, plan and write down all tasks that need to be completed before the holidays start. Prioritize them in order of how important and urgent they are, then assign a time for each job. This will ensure that everything is taken care of before the deadline.

- Try not to get too caught up in social media.

This is especially important if you have an addictive personality or are trying to break an addiction. Social media can be an excellent tool for staying connected with friends and family, but it can also be used to escape reality when we feel like we need space away from them.

- Be mindful of your mental health and wellness.

Mental health is a massive issue for many people. It is essential to take care of yourself and take time for yourself. One way to do this is to be mindful of your mental health and wellness. You can do many things to help keep your mental well-being check0ins, such as exercising, eating healthy foods, drinking lots of water, getting enough sleep, and spending quality time with friends and family.

- Practice self-care before, during, and after the holiday season.

It can be challenging to maintain a healthy lifestyle during the holidays. There are so many tempting and delicious treats, events, and other obligations that it is easy for your diet to slip or for you to become run down. To keep your mind and body in check and in good condition, it's important to practice self-care before, during, and after the holiday season.

- Seek out the support of family and friends when needed.

When faced with a difficult situation, it is easy to turn to family and friends for help. They are vested in your well-being and will want to offer assistance. They can often provide emotional support and encouragement even if they can't directly offer assistance.

- Get involved in hobbies to decompress and destress.

Millions of people will experience some form of stress in a single day. Stress can stem from work, family, relationships, and more. The result is usually negativity, irritability, and fatigue. Hobbies can serve as a great way to decompress and destress. There are many different hobbies with different benefits, such as knitting to help with anxiety or rock-climbing to running. The key is to find something you enjoy so you can destress.

- Keep it simple: try not to overcomplicate things by making too many plans or adding too many people into your life.

Make sure you're taking care of yourself first and foremost by doing things that make you happy.

- Don’t forget about yourself! You also deserve a little “me time” this season.

It is understandable that during the holidays, people may feel pressured to do everything for everyone else; however, it is essential to not forget about yourself. Spending time on yourself can help you recharge and have more energy to give to others. Make sure you find time for yourself, whether going for a walk outside, taking a moment for self-care, or spending your day off relaxing at home.

- Avoid overcommitting yourself by making a list of your commitments and prioritizing them.

You often say ‘yes’ to things without fully considering what those commitments mean for you. This can lead to overcommitting and feeling overwhelmed, leading to your inability to focus on critical things. To avoid this, make a list of your commitments and prioritize them by how much time it will take, how important it is for you, what has the most opportunity cost, or

- Consider the needs of others when you make plans or give gifts, and try to be mindful of their feelings as well as your own.

Believe it or not, there are people who have different interests and hobbies than you might think. If you want to plan an event for someone else, ask them what they would like rather than making assumptions about what they would be interested in. The same goes for the holiday season.

- Be flexible with your plans if something unexpected (such as illness) or someone else can't make it (such as a family member).

Flexibility is a key to success. If someone can't make it to an event or function, it's crucial to be able to step in and take their place. It's also essential to keep your plans the same. The more flexible you are, the better your chance of achieving your goals.

- Make sure you have everything you need: You should make sure that you have all the supplies you need before starting any tasks or events, such as decorations, food, gifts, etc.

One of the most important things you should make sure you have before beginning any tasks or events is good supplies. For example, having decorations, food, and gifts is crucial for a party. If you have the supplies needed, your event will be successful, and your guests will be happy!

- Give yourself permission to feel what you're feeling, and don't try to hide it from others.

Many people try to hide what they're feeling, but it's not fair for you to feel like you have to do that. It's essential to understand what you're feeling and why. Otherwise, your feelings will keep piling up until you can't take it anymore.

- Try not to compare your life with others because it will only make you feel worse about yourself.

Comparing yourself to others is a recipe for disaster. It's easy to get caught up in social media and feel like you're not good enough. It's essential that you focus on your own life and think about the things that make it unique. You are who you are because of who you've been, and those things can't be compared with anyone else's life.

- Spend time with people who make you happy and can help you forget your problems.

The adage is true, there is no better cure for sadness than a good laugh. Spend time with people who make you happy and can help you forget your problems.

- Remember that there is always someone worse off than you are, so don't be too hard on yourself.

This advice is for people who are struggling with depression or anxiety. You might have had a hard day at work or home and think things aren't going well, but there are always people who have it worse than you. Remind yourself that you are much better off than others, and try to find the silver linings in any situation. Sometimes the most challenging part is just getting up in the morning and getting through the holiday season.

- Create your traditions.

Creating your traditions during the holidays can be an excellent way to help you navigate these special days. You don't need to stick with family traditions if they don't make sense for your current lifestyle or beliefs.

- Keep it effortless.

Keep it simple when navigating through the holidays. If certain things stress you out, try to avoid them as much as possible. Remember that it's about spending time with family and friends, not stressing yourself out over what could go wrong.

- Keep a gratitude journal.

Keeping a gratitude journal is an excellent way to stay positive during these stressful times of the year. With a lot of shopping, cooking, and work, it is no wonder people are feeling overwhelmed. However, one way you can help combat that stress is by keeping a gratitude journal.

- Be mindful of your time.

If you're spending too much time on social media or watching TV, it's likely that you'll feel overwhelmed and less productive when it comes to your goals. So ensure you're staying within the budget and taking less time off work or family obligations during this busy time of year!

- Stick to your budget and don’t overspend on gifts or food.

With the holiday shopping season in full swing, it can be tempting to overspend on gifts or food. But spending less than expected or needed doesn't mean you should skimp on quality. If you stick to your budget, you'll have more money to spend after the holidays, which can go towards paying off holiday credit card bills, travel expenses, and more.

- Identify your triggers.

The holidays are a time of year when we tend to be around more people. This can mean lots of triggers for people with anxiety. Knowing your triggers and trying to avoid them is helpful to combat the stress and anxiety that can come with the season.

- Stay organized by using calendars, planners, and apps to keep track of everything.

With so many distractions and endless possibilities in today's world, it can be challenging to stay organized. Luckily, there are many solutions out there that can help. One of the most popular is a calendar. With a calendar, you can organize your schedule and ensure you're always on time for an appointment.

- Change your perspective.

It may seem complicated, but it will be worth it. You can also try meditation or going for walks outside, which are both great for relieving holiday stress and sadness. You can also cope with depression by changing the way you think. This can be difficult, but it's worth it in the end. You can also try meditation or going for walks outside, which are both great for relieving stress and negative thoughts.

- Know your kid’s schedule. Make lists of what you need to do, and create a plan to get it all done.

This will make your life easier in the long run. If you have children, then make sure that they know how their schedules will change during the holiday season. They should know that their school hours may change, or they might have less time with friends outside of school. This will minimize any surprises when they come home on Christmas Eve after being out all day at school, only to find out that they're not allowed to go outside again until after dinner because it's too cold out at night this time of year!

- Be mindful of your expectations for the holiday season.

The holidays are a time of great joy and excitement but can also be stressful. We all have that one relative who always manages to find something to complain about. So it's essential to be mindful of the expectations we set for ourselves and others leading up to the holiday season and beyond.

- Remember that you're not alone during the holiday season.

Professional help is always available. The holiday season is a tough time of the year for many people, but professional help is always available. Feelings of loneliness, isolation, despair, and depression are common this time of year. If you or someone you know needs someone to talk to, call 1-800-273-8255 or visit https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/.

How to start the new off on the right foot without making New Year’s Resolutions

The new year is right around the corner, and you might be looking for a fresh start. To do that, you need to put your best foot forward. This can be done in many ways, but one of the most important is updating your resume. You first need to ensure that all your skills are up-to-date and relevant. If there are any skills that you don't have, then it's time to learn them or find someone who does have them. It's also important to list any volunteer work or extracurricular activities you've participated in over the years. These things can help make a difference when it comes time for interviews because they show how well-rounded you are and how many potential employers can expect from you in the future.

Setting SMART goals for the end of the year and 2023.

SMART goals are goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

Specific: The goal needs to be specific, so you know what you want to achieve. For example, "I want to learn new skills" is not specific enough because there's no mention of how much you want to lose or how long it will take. "I want to learn how to code in the next three months" is more specific and measurable.

Measurable: Goals need to be measurable to see if they're being achieved. For example, "I want my team's sales revenue this year" is not measurable because there's no mention of the current or desired revenue level. "I want our team's sales revenue this year to increase by 20 percent from last year" is more measurable because it includes both the current and desired levels of revenue as well as a percentage increase between existing and projected earnings.

Achievable: Achievable Goals are the ones that are not too far out of reach and not too difficult to accomplish. They are just challenging enough to keep us motivated. Sometimes that means setting short-term goals, and other times it means setting long-term goals. Either way, the most important thing is to keep them achievable because if they are out of reach or too complicated, we won't be motivated to achieve them.

Some examples of achievable goals:

- Go for a walk every day for a week

- Write one page of a book

- Read one book per month

Relevant: Relevance to your goals is critical because they matter to you. This will ensure you follow through. Your goals need to be relevant to you for you to complete them. If they don't matter to you, your chance of success dramatically decreases. You should make sure your goals are specific and clear so that you know what you are working towards.

Time-bound: Time-bound goals have a specific date by which they should be accomplished. The deadline can be as short as a few hours or days. These types of goals are more challenging to achieve than long-term goals because the pressure is on them to finish them quickly. Time-bound goals should be used sparingly because they can lead to burnout and poor performance in the long run. They should only be used when a specific event or deadline approaches, such as an end-of-quarter deadline at work or due date for an assignment at school.

Setting goals is a crucial part of achieving success. It helps you to stay focused on your end goal and move forward in the right direction. It also allows you to measure your progress and see how far you have come. Three main steps must be taken to set a goal: select, plan, and execute.

Selecting goals is the first step in the process. You must choose what it is that you want or need to do. When selecting goals, it is essential to consider what will make you happy or fulfilled long term. For example, if your goal is to make more money than last year, then this may not be an appropriate goal because there will always be next year when you can try again and make more money than before. If your goal instead was to travel the world with your family, then this would be an appropriate goal because there will never be another opportunity like this again for you or your family.

Next, you have to come up with a plan for that goal. A plan can be a list of steps that need to be taken to achieve a goal. A basic plan for achieving a goal might include the following:

- A clear and specific goal

- The resources needed to accomplish the goal

- The timeline for reaching the goal

- The steps involved in attaining the goal

Therefore, when planning your goals, you must consider what you want to achieve, what resources are required, and how much time you will need.

Finally, you will need to execute those plans. Execution is the final step in the strategic planning process. One of the most important things you can do as a leader is to ensure that your team has everything it needs to execute your strategy. In the execution stage, you will need to put all your strategic plans into action and take steps to ensure they are successful. You must be aware of what’s happening at this stage, so you can help others involved in your goal-setting overcome any obstacles or challenges that emerge during the process.

We all know that the holidays are a time for family and friends, but they can also be stressful. It is important to remember that there is no perfect way to spend the holidays. You may find that it is better for you to spend the holiday with your family or with your friends. Or, you might want to try a different approach each year. Whatever you decide, it's important to remember that life goes on after the holidays.

Heather Heinzinger 10/31/22 Heather Heinzinger 10/31/22

Simple Ways to Protect Yourself Financially, Emotionally, and Physically this Holiday Season

The holidays can be an exciting and fun time for all of us. However, this is also many families' most expensive season of the year. There are also pressures to keep up with the Joneses or to give more than you have to make others happy. It’s easy to get caught up in all of these messages about being happy that it’s easy for your own needs to go unmet.

We are all aware of the high costs associated with the holidays. This is when we need to be especially careful about our finances and ensure that we are not spending more than we can afford.

The mental challenges often arise from the stress of trying to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list, not to mention cleaning up your house and hosting a holiday party.

The physical challenges can come from cooking all those dishes, shopping for gifts, and wrapping them all in time for the holiday morning.

The financial challenges may be the most difficult because they can be sudden and unexpected. The holidays are one of the most expensive times of the year, with many expenses coming out of nowhere.

However, here are some simple tips on how you can survive the holidays mentally, physically, and financially:

- Keep your routine the same daily or as often as possible.

Keeping a routine is one of the most effective ways to fight depression and anxiety. A routine can be anything from going to bed and waking up simultaneously, eating three square meals a day, and exercising daily. Creating a daily routine helps you feel more in control of your life.

- Set realistic expectations for the holidays.

This includes what you will do and what you won't do. It's essential to know your limits and not feel guilty about them.

- Mental health is vital at all times of the year.

But it's essential during the holidays when you're more likely to feel stressed or depressed due to all the pressure from family members wanting us to spend money or just plain out being around people who are rude or judgmental about your beliefs or choices in life.

- Plan your holiday budget so that you do not overspend.

It is essential to plan your budget so that you can avoid overspending. Consider how much you have to spend and what your needs are before you go shopping. Stay in control of your spending, and don't purchase things you don't need just because they are on sale.

- Make your gifts, so you do not have to buy expensive presents for everyone.

With the holidays quickly approaching, many people are thinking about how to gift their loved ones adequately. One alternative is to make your gifts. This can be a personal and thoughtful way of showing someone you care, and saving money.

- Avoid buying anything online if possible, as this will save money on shipping fees, or always strive to get free shipping.

Buying things online is great, but it can get pricey if you don't know the tricks. The first thing to consider is whether or not they offer free shipping. If they do, then no problem! If not, see if you can buy an item from a retailer offering free shipping with a minimum purchase amount.

- Get organized: Organize your finances by creating a budget and sticking to it.

Sticking to a budget can feel like a lot of work, but it is one of the best ways to save money and track your spending. You will be able to see where your money is going and what you can do to save more. Create a budget using a template from any online software or app you can access. Try looking for templates on sites like Mint.com, Quicken, or some other free software budget program.

- Hope for the best but prepare for the worst.

Think about how things could go wrong this holiday season so you’re prepared if they happen.

- Give back.

Volunteer during this time of year or donate to charity in someone else's name as a gift. The holidays are a time to give back to the community. Whether you volunteer or donate to charity in someone else's name, there are plenty of ways to give back.

- It is essential to take care of your mental health during the holiday season.

This doesn't mean you need to spend all day in bed; it means that you are aware of your feelings and triggers. It is also essential to ensure that you take care of your physical health. Take some time for yourself, exercise, eat healthy food, and drink plenty of water.

-Give yourself plenty of time to prepare for the holiday season by making lists of tasks you need to do in advance.

The holiday season is a hectic time for everyone. Between parties, gift shopping, and cooking, there are not enough hours in the day to get everything done. Even if you're not hosting any parties or cooking a holiday dinner, chances are you'll still need to buy gifts for someone who is. With so much going on, it can be easy to forget about the little things that make for a great

-If you're not up to cooking or baking this year, order takeout or buy readymade items from your grocery store.

Between Halloween and Thanksgiving, this time of year can be a bit too much for some people. Between the cooking, the cleaning, and all the other activities that are going on, it's understandable if you're feeling a little burnt out. That's why it might be worth considering ordering takeout from your favorite restaurant or buying readymade items from your grocery store. This will help you prevent feeling burnt out.

-If you're hosting a party at your house this year, offer guests an alternate transportation option, so they don't drink and drive home after they leave your house.

This will ensure they can get home safely.

-Take care of your mental health by scheduling time for yourself every day to relax without distractions.

Taking care of your mental health and finding time for yourself every day is essential. Whether it be a morning meditation, an evening walk, or even a five-minute breather to disconnect from the world, you need to schedule time for yourself every day.

- Stay hydrated.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid headaches or rundowns. Drinking water is essential for your overall health and well-being. Drinking water throughout the day is beneficial, but remember to drink before feeling thirsty.

- Spend time with friends and family to avoid feelings of loneliness or isolation during the holiday season.

Finding the time to spend with friends and family during the holiday can be challenging. Spending time together can help ward off feelings of loneliness or isolation. If you are out of town, try to connect with people via social media or video chat. Make an effort to see your loved ones on the holidays, and make sure you don't over-schedule so that you have time for everyone on your list.

- Create your holiday traditions.

People often rely on holiday traditions that were created by family members and passed down through generations. To honor those people, take the time to pass your holiday traditions down to the new generation.

- Get enough sleep.

Get a good amount of rest every night to ensure you're not tired during the day.

Sleep is essential to life. A person typically spends six out of sixteen hours asleep throughout the day. Whether you are working or not, you should try to get at least seven hours of sleep every night.

- Stay active.

Even if it's just for a few minutes each day, try to do something physical like going on walks or doing some yoga stretches to keep your body healthy and your mind clear.

- Eat right.

Eating well will help you feel better and more energized during the holidays! Avoid processed foods as much as possible and choose whole foods high in fiber and nutrients.

- Take time off from work, if possible, during the holidays.

This will help you get re-energized and revitalized. The holidays are a time for all to rejoice, but it is also a time for families to get together. With so many people around, you'll quickly get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season, and before you know it, the new year will have arrived. If you want to recharge your batteries after this excitement, take some time off from work during this holiday season.

- Don’t feel obligated to have to go out for New Year’s eve.

Too often, New Year’s Eve is made out to be a mandatory event. It’s not. You can spend the evening doing whatever you want. Think about how much fun you can have making dinner for a group of friends, watching your favorite movie, or spending time at a friend’s house.

- Take breaks from social media and technology.

Social media and emerging technologies are becoming increasingly important parts of our lives. The average person spends around two hours a day on social media, which negatively correlates with mental health. So, take some time away from Instagram and the news app on your phone.

- Make a list of people you need to call or email this season.

With all of the holiday season festivities, it can be hard to remember to call or email everyone you need. To make this task easier, make a list of people you need to contact and then send them individual emails or phone calls.

- Get out of your house and do things that make you happy.

The best way to feel better is to get out of your house and do things you enjoy. Whether playing a sport, reading a book, or traveling—anything will help relieve the stress of daily life.

- Leave the New Year’s Resolutions from last year in the past, where they belong. And forget about making such resolutions altogether.

New Year’s resolutions are a difficult thing to get through. You will be tempted to abandon your goal before you even reach the end of the first week. By making achievable resolutions, you can avoid feeling overwhelmed and allow yourself to achieve success.

There’s no doubt that the holidays are an exciting time of year for many people, but they can also be stressful. This is especially true for those who have had a tough year. The holidays can be a time of great joy, but they can also bring up feelings of loneliness, stress, and sadness.

Heather Heinzinger 9/30/22 Heather Heinzinger 9/30/22

Simple Ways to Set Boundaries with Aggressive or Hostile Family Members this Holiday Season

The holidays are a time for family, but it can also be a stressful time if you have family members who behave aggressively or are outright disrespectful. It can also be hard to know how to set boundaries with these people, especially if they don’t listen or respect your wishes but there are some ways to do it. Continue reading to get your holiday toolbox together.

Does the holiday season stress you out or cause anxiety? If so, read this to learn how to navigate today’s most chaotic time of the year.

It's the holiday season that’s coming soon, and that means it's time to enjoy time with family members and friends. However, some family members can be overly aggressive, difficult to deal with, and hostile overall. This is especially true of relatives who are used to getting their way even when it may not be what the other person wants. This can make for a very uncomfortable and unpleasant experience during this time of year.

If you’ve experienced this in the past, you’re not alone. Here are some tips on how you can set boundaries with aggressive, hostile, or passive-aggressive family members this holiday season.

Take time to reflect on any possible scenarios prior to attending any holiday gathering.
- First, you should take time to reflect on what you want and need from your family members this holiday season. You may want them to stop calling or texting you so often, or maybe you just want them to stop talking about politics at the dinner table. If so, then it’s time to establish boundaries.
- Next, think about how you can ask for what you need without being too demanding or confrontational. You could try saying something like "I would really love it if we could have a more relaxed conversation this year."
- Finally, if someone is acting aggressive or hostile towards you, then it is time to set boundaries and tell that person exactly what they are allowed to do in a direct tone.
Prepare for the worst-case scenario with those difficult family members during the holidays.
When you’re prepared for any and every situation, you won’t be caught off guard, and you will know how to handle such a family member. Making preparations now will give you the tools you need to be able to wisely and lovingly handle any situation with grace and ease.
Make sure you have time for yourself every day. One of the most important aspects of a healthy and fulfilling life is taking time for yourself.
From planning vacations to spending 10 minutes in the morning reading to taking a walk in the afternoon, taking time for yourself is an integral part of living a happy and healthy life.
Let your family know what events you plan to attend. Don’t feel obligated to attend them all.
The holiday season can be overwhelming when you have to attend a variety of work and family events. So to make the season more manageable, make a list of the family gatherings you plan to attend. And be sure to let them know in advance. This will help set their expectations.
Be firm but polite when setting limits.
Limit the amount of time you plan to spend at each family gathering and let them know prior to the occasion. This will help set the expectation that you are not going to hang around all day or evening.
Leave the room if a family member refuses to stop arguing with you or refuses to listen when you try changing the subject of conversation.
When you engage in such an action, both of you can escalate which can lead to a fight. Strive to remain calm and be the bigger person by walking away from the situation.
Don't let your family guilt trip you into doing something you don't want to do or attending an event that you don’t want to attend.
When it comes to family guilt trips, there is one universal truth: family members will do everything they can to get you to do what they want. They will warn you, plead with you, and even guilt trip you into doing something that you don't want to do or going somewhere that you don't want to go. Don’t cave and don’t let them make you feel bad.

If your family members are being verbally aggressive, try using the "broken record" technique by repeating the same thing over and over again in an even tone without getting emotional or defensive.
This will help them realize that they are not getting through to you. It should also give them a hint to stop acting that way.
Learn easy stress management skills to help you cope with those particularly difficult times.
When you're feeling stressed, it can be hard to think clearly and make the right decisions. Stress can take a toll on your physical and emotional health, as well as your relationships with others. However, here are some simple skills you can use for those highly-stressful times:
- Create a routine: Having a daily routine during the holidays can help you manage your stress levels when you’re with those difficult family members. It will be easier for you to maintain your focus and energy throughout the day if you have a set schedule that you follow during the season.
- Take care of yourself: You should take care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being by eating healthy food, exercising as often as you can, taking breaks from work, getting enough sleep, spending time with people you love, etc.
- Talk to someone about what is bothering you as this can help reduce anxiety and feelings of isolation.
- Limit the amount of time you spend on social media sites like Facebook or Instagram because they can be addictive and make it hard to focus on anything else.
Take up meditation to learn how to become more mindful when navigating difficult situations.
Meditation is a practice of bringing your attention to the present moment. It helps you overcome negative thoughts and emotions by increasing your self-awareness. With increased awareness, you can learn to accept and be at peace with what is happening at the moment. It will also help you to remain calm and level-headed.
Practice patience and try to be understanding of the other person’s perspective.
The other person may feel like you are not listening to them. Listen to their perspective, and try to understand where they are coming from so they feel heard. It may be that the two of you have different ideas about what has happened, or what should happen next.
Do not get into a discussion about who is right and who is wrong.
Just move on--whether it’s to another conversation with a different person or changing the topic with the one who was arguing with you.
Be aware of your emotions and how they could affect your mood and decisions.
Emotions are a powerful force that can affect your mood and decisions. It is important to be aware of them and how they might affect the mood of your family during the holiday season.
Keep the conversation focused on the person and avoid bringing up old arguments.
It's important to avoid bringing up old arguments. This can be hard during a heated conversation, so here are a few tips to help you stay on track.
- Let go of the past.
- Don’t point fingers and place blame on others.
- Listen to what the other person is saying and try to empathize.
- Strive to come up with a resolution with the other person.
- Be respectful to the other person.
Communicate your needs and boundaries with all family members in a direct, assertive manner.
Communicating boundaries can be difficult, but it is necessary for healthy relationships. When someone becomes too controlling or starts to threaten your mental health and well-being, it is important to communicate what you’re willing to tolerate clearly and candidly.
When it comes to setting boundaries, it is important to keep in mind that you are not obligated to do anything for anyone else.
You have the right to say “no” and be respected for your decision. If someone pushes you past your limits, then you need to set a boundary and tell them that they cannot behave in such a way with you anymore.
Find out what your triggers are and avoid them.
In order to keep cool and remain under control, you must identify what triggers your frustration or irritation and learn how to avoid these things. The best way to find out what triggers you is to write down a list of all the things that make you feel this way.
Don't get drawn into a debate about politics, religion, or other topics you know will only lead to anger and frustration on both sides.
Try to focus on movies or television shows that were just released. This will help keep the conversation light.
Maintain healthy relationships outside of your family.
Stay in touch with colleagues and friends. Keep in touch with friends and colleagues to reduce stress and have fun. Plan an evening out on the town or take a vacation with your friends. This will help you get re-energized.
Don't apologize for things that aren't your fault.
The phrase “I’m sorry” seems to be the go-to phrase for any situation these days. It has become a complete cliche to say sorry when someone bumps into you, but there are many other instances where people apologize when they are not at fault. When apologizing becomes a habit, it comes across as inauthentic and insincere.
Try to have a positive mindset throughout the holiday season.
Remember, the holidays are only temporary. They will end soon enough and then you will get back to your regular life. Here are some tips to help you develop one:
- Keep a journal of all the things you are grateful for.
- Write down everything you accomplished in the day and what you learned from it.
- If you're feeling down, think about what made you happy in the past and how it can make you happy again.
If someone is being disrespectful towards you, you can tell them that their behavior is not appropriate and you will not tolerate it.
Stand up for yourself and let them know you won’t deal with them.
Try to enjoy yourself when you do spend time with your friends and family this holiday season instead of worrying about what might go wrong during your visit or what might happen next year.
Focus on the now.
Passive-aggressive behavior can be very frustrating to deal with and can cause serious problems in a relationship.
It is important to know the causes of passive aggression and how to deal with it. Such behavior may be caused by feelings of anger, resentment, or frustration that are directed at you rather than the other person. It can also be caused by feelings of helplessness or a sense of being overwhelmed. The best way to deal with passive aggression is by acknowledging that this person has these feelings and needs help to get them out in a healthy way. Listen carefully to what they have said and try not to take it personally. If you believe that there are unresolved issues, then try talking about them calmly to prevent escalation.