LION WELLNESS | When you’re in the midst of final papers and exams, Thanksgiving and Winter breaks cannot come fast enough. But beyond the meals, shopping and extra sleep, holidays can be also be stressful times.
Here are some tips to help you enjoy your time off from classes:
1. Schedule (and maintain) your self-care. It can be easy to forget to take care of yourself during the busy holiday season. Set aside time for self-care every day, even if it’s just a few minutes of breathing exercises or taking a walk.
2. Practice Gratitude. Studies show that simply reflecting on the things you are most grateful for can make you feel calmer and happier. Take a few moments each day to ask yourself “what am I grateful for” to shift your thoughts away from holiday stressors to refocus on the positive.
3. Feel your feels. It is normal to feel lots of different emotions – positive and negative during the holidays. Instead of brushing these feelings off, take a moment to ask why you are feeling what you are feeling. This can help you get down to the root of those emotions and prevent you from letting your feelings affect those you care about.
4. Utilize modern tools for therapy. One of the great things about living in 2019 is all the amazing resources available through modern technology. At LMU, we offer 24/7 online assistance through Therapy Assistance Online (TAO) for free. The holidays might be a good time to check out TAO’s self-guided tools for managing stress, anxiety, sadness, and more.
5. Stay present. We often place so much pressure on creating a memorable holiday that our minds stay fixated on all we think we have to do rather than the friends and family before us. Stay in the moment by focusing on what you’re experiencing right now – the mashed potatoes you’re eating, the holiday music playing, or what the person in front of you is saying. This will stop you from worrying about what’s next and bring a sense of calm.
To learn about health and wellness resources available to LMU students, visit lmu.edu/lionwellness and check out Wellness Wednesdays every Wednesday from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Lawton Plaza unless otherwise noted.
