Less Stress for the Holidays?

As we approach the end of 2021, our emotions may run the gamut from excitement to worry. Between thoughts of “Can I meet everyone’s expectations?” to “Can I find some time to relax?” this season can place a lot of pressure on us.

It is important to maintain a realistic perspective and mentally prepare ourselves with building in some self-care tools. Following are some suggestions to help you emotionally prepare for the holiday season –

• Be realistic when making a to-do list - include items you find fun and relaxing
• Practice patience with yourself and others – we all get stressed
• As much as possible, establish a routine
• Build in time for yourself and times to connect with others
• Write down a list of things for which you are grateful
• If you’re feeling overwhelmed with obligations, ask someone for assistance
• Catch up on sleep!
• Practice moderation with food and alcohol when you’re feeling down
• Treat yourself with taking in an activity you have been putting off for some time
• Create a log of favorite holiday memories

Remind yourself that it is okay to build in some time to pay attention to your own mood. And if you begin to feel overwhelmed reach out to friends and talk and stay connected! You can even check in with support from people at work

Check-in with Yourself

If you are feeling especially overwhelmed, we are here for you. FASCCO (if you work on an academic campus) and the Office of Counseling and Workplace Resilience (if you work at Michigan Medicine) offers online assessments and short-term counseling services at no charge.  You could start with an online screening. It’s confidential and is a good way to quickly check in with yourself.

More Resources

• Crisis Text Line® - Text “4UMICH” (for U-M campus faculty and staff) or “UMICH” (if you are a member of the Michigan Medicine community) to 741741 and connect to a trained crisis volunteer. Text responders are there 24/7 for support and to help you sort through your feelings by asking questions, empathizing, and actively listening. You need not be in crisis to use this service for support and there is no charge for this service. 
• SilverCloud is an online mental health tool that offers self-guided programs for anxiety, depression, stress, resilience, or insomnia. Based on cognitive behavioral therapy principles, the self-guided program is available anytime, on any device. Aimed at helping to address mild to moderate issues, SilverCloud allows individuals to manage day-to-day stressors personally and anonymously. Initiated by the College of Engineering, SilverCloud is now available to all faculty, staff, and students at no cost. https://umich.silvercloudhealth.com/signup
• The Eisenberg Family Depression Center Toolkit is an online resource from the Depression Center that provides information, tools, and support to guide you through your mental health journey. The Toolkit includes self-assessments, an explanation of available treatment options, tips for coping with a mental illness, and a list of ways to support others and raise awareness.
• More resources for Michigan Medicine faculty and staff are available at the Michigan Medicine Wellness Office.