Helpful resources for holiday challenges

If you are feeling anxious or stressed about this upcoming holiday season, you aren’t alone. This holiday season might be very different for many staff and faculty due to social gathering restrictions which may increase feelings of isolation, sadness and grief.

Although the end of this year may be challenging, it is helpful to focus on cornerstones of emotional health that we can control. We have put together a list of six ideas and resources to help you thrive this holiday season.

1. Stay connected with others – Having a break from work during the holiday season can interrupt a regular routine of daily connection with others – even if it was via phone or Zoom. If you are worried about feeling isolated during this holiday season, counselling and group counselling supports can help.
2. Eat well – It can be challenging to keep up good eating habits during a holiday season which can in turn effect mood and energy. Get some support by signing up for health coaching by Registered Nurses and Occupational Health Nurses to maintain healthy habits.
3. Exercise – Being physically active and working out isn’t easy especially when juggling work, family, and other priorities. Virtual fitness with LIFT Session makes it easy for you to get active and reach your fitness goals with an app and live coaches. Each fitness session lasts 30 minutes, and the typical journey consists of three sessions per week for a total duration of six weeks.
4. Build resiliency at work – Resiliency coaching with a career counsellor is specifically designed to help individuals find a point of focus in life, reduce overall stress and remove challenges. Over three months you will learn coping strategies and steps to avoid burn-out.
5. Keep relationships healthy – Do you want to take some time out for yourself and your partner to work on improving your relationship? With Enhancing Your Relationship, an online, self-guided course, you will learn the key principles to healthy relationships and best practices for enhancing your relationship.

To find out more or to book any of the above resources, call Morneau Shepell at 1-844-880-9137 or visit their website workhealthlife.com.

6. Get help for substance abuse – During the holiday season, some people may revert to negative coping strategies to manage stress. If you need assistance managing or preventing substance abuse issues, Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) will match you and/or your dependents with a counsellor who specializes in addictions.