The holidays are often a joyous time of the year; however, they can prompt stress as well. This yearmany of us may be grappling with the unique pressures that arise when celebrating the holidays in a global pandemic. In this unique time, you may be noticing that your stress levels are amplified. If we are not careful, stress can have a harmful effect on our wellness. Go to the Psychology Today website for 10 tips to help you manage your wellbeing this season.
Supports are available through the Employee and Family Assistance Program to help address any stressors that may be impacting your/your family’s wellbeing.
Small-Scale, Stress-Free Holiday Meals
Regardless of your usual holiday traditions, given the public health restrictions, this year you may be planning an intimate feast for you and your loved ones at home. Go to the Goodhousekeeping website for 25 Christmas Dinner ideas that are simple and stress-free.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is considered to be a sub-type of depression and is also called "seasonal depression", "winter depression" or "major depression with a seasonal pattern". When someone has recurring episodes of depression that start and end in a seasonal pattern (usually coinciding with winter), they might have SAD. Go to the Mind Your Mind website to learn about what causes SAD, the signs and symptoms to be on the lookout for, existing treatment methods and more.