Create A Holiday Survival Kit:

The holidays can be an exciting time, but can also leave you feeling stressed and lonely. The increasing demands of cooking extra meals, extra costs associated with gifts and the expectations of entertaining guests (sometimes unwelcome) can contribute to increased feelings of stress, worry and uncertainty. So, to help minimize the stress accompanying the holidays we suggests a few practical tips that you can add to your tool box.

Suggestions to help you reduce stress over the holidays

Tip #1 - Be realistic

Let go of the idea of perfect or comparing this year's festivities to last years. Allow space for flexibility and new traditions. It's okay if your holiday plans need to look different this year, you can find new and creative ways to celebrate. For example, if traveling is too expensive, find new ways to celebrate with the people you enjoy spending time with, such as sharing pictures, emails or videos.

Tip #2 - Allow yourself to accept your feelings

If the holidays bring up painful memories or have taken an emotional toll on you in the past, accept that it's okay to feel sad or depressed and allow yourself to express how you're feeling. You don't have to force yourself to be happy just because it's the holidays season.

Tip #3 - Surround yourself with people you enjoy

If you are feeling lonely or isolated, seek out others who make you feel welcome and give you a sense of support and companionship. This may be the time to try something new, or get more involved with a group that you've been wanting to join. Feel free to seek out community or social events through support groups or virtual meetings.

Tip #4 - It's okay to say "no"

Learn and practice saying no. Saying yes when you really want to say no only leads to resentment and overwhelm, so take care of yourself, be realistic, and utilize your boundaries. This will protect you from taking on more than you bargained for.

Tip #5 - Take time for yourself

Make time for yourself to engage in something you enjoy. Take a break to spend some time without distractions so you can reset and reduce stress. You might enjoy reading a book, taking bubble bath, taking a long walk, listening to your favorite music or engaging in your favorite hobby. Whatever it is, spend time sitting with yourself, clearing your mind, and tapping into your inner calm.

Reduce your stress during the holidays

Don't let this time of year control you. practice taking care of yourself so you can enjoy the holidays in a way that is meaningful to you.

Taking it Coastal: A Mental Health Blog

Welcome to Coastal Connecticut Counseling!

Helping individuals, couples, children and families build resilience and embrace growth.

Coastal is comprised of a team of mental health clinicians who are passionate about providing an array of resources and support to empower others to embrace their journey towards personal growth.

This blog was specifically created to stay connected with those in our community. We understand how important it is to have access to support when you need it most and we hope this space will act as an additional resource of supplemental information, tools, reassurance and a feeling of understanding. We want you to feel comfortable here, and we want to hear what challenges you are facing, so we can provide a better way for you to obtain what you need, at any time of day.

Anything is easier when you feel supported.

Coastal is dedicated to providing the support and the resources to help you feel more empowered and a little bit more like you.

About Coastal...

Coastal Connecticut Counseling is a group psychotherapy practice in Southport, Connecticut. Coastal's team is made up of a group of therapists and healthcare professionals from differing backgrounds who offer a variety of counseling services for children, teens and adults. Coastal's providers specialize in the treatment of anxiety, depression, attention deficit disorder, behavioral problems, trauma/PTSD, parenting concerns, life transitions, and marriage/relationship challenges, to name a few.

Coastal also offers a broad range of therapeutic community and specialty services.

Because affordable mental healthcare is our number one priority, we accept most major insurances and offer financial assistance to those who qualify.

Please check in with us regularly, as we post weekly. We want to hear from you and invite you to leave us feedback, and let us know how we can best provide you the support you are seeking.

Please understand that this forum is not monitored and should not be used as a substitute for therapeutic intervention or support during a crisis. if you find you are in need of immediate support please call 211, or 911 for emergency services.

'Happy Holidays': a misnomer?

Does 'Happy Holidays' feel superficial to you? Do you feel pressured to enjoy the holidays with family, but dread it at the same time? Take a look at this article and understand that past dynamics impact current functioning as well.