Keeping Hope Alive Through the Holidays

The holiday season is upon us, and for some it's not always the most wonderful time of the year.

In a recent study, a whopping 70% of Americans reported feeling extreme stress and anxiety during the holiday season due to a “lack of time,” “lack of money,” and the “pressure to give gifts." And while these holiday months are often filled with gatherings surrounded by friends and family, for others it can be quite the opposite if loved ones aren't around. Whatever the reason may be, feelings of isolation and loneliness can creep in making this time of year less than celebratory.

If you are someone dreading the upcoming weeks, we want to share a special practice with you to help navigate through feelings of sadness this holiday season.

Our minds are powerful, busy little bees, often taking us down rabbit holes and other places we'd rather not visit. And while it's easy to get lost in those dark places, training our brains to hit the gas in the opposite direction is crucial in combatting anxious and depressed feelings. For example, if we find ourselves comparing our own situation to someone else's and spend time focusing on what we lack, such as large family gatherings, fancy gifts, or hefty paychecks, we are met with feelings of inadequacy. However, shifting our perspective to focus on what we do have, rather than what we don't have can have an uplifting effect on our spirits. With practice, gratitude can manifest into a super power we never knew we had, turning hopeless situations into hopeful ones. If you're feeling down and out while reading this, it may seem far fetched and unlikely to truly change your circumstances, but we challenge you to try. Start out small with a few grateful thoughts when you wake up in the morning - we'll even give you some ideas if you're finding it hard to come up with something.

"I'm grateful for my bed that gives me a place to sleep."

"I'm grateful for the warm water in my shower."

"I'm grateful for the roof over my head during winter months."

"I'm grateful for the socks and shoes I have on my feet."

"I'm grateful for the food that I eat to nourish my body."

"I'm grateful for my cell phone that allows me to stay connected."

"I'm grateful for my eyesight that allows me to read this blog."

There are many people in this world lacking some of those simple things that we take for granted each day - people who would love to have those exact items that come to us so easily! Look around you - the more things you find to be grateful for, the easier gratitude gets. And the more you practice it, the more helpful it becomes during tough or lonely times.

Remember, if you are struggling, reach out to someone. You don't have to go through this alone. Whether it’s emotional health, eating disorders, addictions, or you are in recovery and are in need of extra support through the holidays, we are always here to help.

Contributed by Lauren Sterritt, Marketing Coordinator for Focus Integrative & Focus Treatment Centers

 

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