Holiday hardships

Our holidays may look a bit different than others. Holidays can be a stressful time for families and kiddos alike. For those who have lost beloved members of the family, we extend our sympathy and compassion. Families who have separated often deal with a lot around this time. While some say being around family for the holidays is their favorite, for some being around family brings extra stress.

In any situation, there are a few tips you can try to minimize the stress of the season.

• Take time for yourself: During holiday celebrations, it can become so easy to give, give, and give your emotional and/or physical space to others. It’s really important to take time for yourself to decompress and do activities that make you happy. 
• Allow time to grieve: Going through the holiday season without the presence of loved ones can be extremely difficult. Anticipate that family members may need time to grieve and allow them the space to do what they need.
• Acknowledge your feelings: It’s okay to feel what you feel and you do not need to force yourself to be happy
• Learn to say “no”: Protecting your peace is a major part of taking care of yourself. If you aren’t able to say no, try to remove other items from your list to keep a balanced schedule.
• Keep healthy habits: If you love eating salads, keep eating salads! If you love drawing, set aside extra time to do that! If you love going to the gym, keep it up during the holidays! If you feel your best when you get ten hours of sleep, aim for that! If breathing exercises calm you down, remember to practice them daily! Do what you need to do to take care of yourself
• Seek professional help: If you find yourself struggling despite putting your best effort in, consider seeking professional help to help you process your feelings and find effective coping mechanisms

The holiday season can be stressful for anyone. It is crucial to find the things that bring you solace and peace. Plan early by making lists of things that make you feel peaceful so when you need them, it’s readily available! Self-relaxation is paramount to surviving the crazy holiday season.

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Your continued support of Crossfire Ranch enables us to provide services for individuals and families who are experiencing challenging life issues. We are blessed to have you be a part of our loving community! All of our mentors, volunteers, and donors help us further our mission of supporting individuals through equine partnership. Thank you for all you do!

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