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It’s crucial to commit you your mental, physical, and spiritual health during the holidays. This time of years can be a mixed bag for people in recovery. For some, the holiday season is full of triggers. For others, connecting with friends and family brings about significant joy. Know that your recovery and sobriety has to remain paramount.
It’s important for you to keep balanced by taking tiny, focused actions. Believe me, if you become conscious of these actions, you will notice how amazing your self-care during holidays will be. 1 Prioritize Your Physical HealthYour physical health must be your priority, and you should not compromise it while doing things for other people during the holiday season. Maintain your regular physical activity. Even if you have to negotiate the time you need with loved ones, it’s better to engage in your physical needs than not. If you have a regular training session or gym that is not available, go for a walk, and practice yoga. Get your body moving. If you have a healthy eating plan, stick to it. It’s easy to get off a plan during the holidays. Even if you allow yourself some sweet treats and savory eats, stay mindful of what you consume. Eat what you want, but do so mindfully. Sleep tends to be a struggle during the holiday season. We get so excited to be with family and friends or late-night shopping before Santa comes that we stop prioritizing our most significant resource. Don’t wait till the last minute to get some rest. Take naps throughout the day if you must, but don’t forget the usual sleep hygiene skills you use throughout the year. 2 Live In The Present MomentThere are precious moments in the present. Go into the holidays with an acceptance that thoughts of the past or fears of the future may be present. That’s a fact. But you don’t have to dwell. If you find it difficult to compartmentalize, reach out for support from your fellows or sponsor. A favorite grounding exercise of mine is “321,” which allows you to get into your senses and out of your head. Identify: 3 things you hear 3 things you see 3 things that touch your body 2 things you hear 2 things you see 2 things that touch your body 1 thing you hear 1 thing you see 1 thing that touches your body This exercise is sure to bring you to the present moment every time. 3 Self ExplorationJournal throughout the holiday season. Write down how you feel. Write down your thoughts: the good ones and the challenging ones. Focus on your needs at that moment. Learn as you go. Be kind and patient with yourself. Final ThoughtsTake care of yourself. You can only support another person after you have satisfied your health needs first. Remember, self-care is healthy selfishness. Just make sure you do not get overwhelmed by all of it, and remember that stress is expected during the holiday season. You will undoubtedly get through it in the best manner possible. Just believe in yourself, follow the tips I have mentioned and enjoy the holiday season. Remember, you deserve care and kindness just like others. Take good care. --D.J.
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Each and everyone of my clients and those reading this blog post are probably sick and tired of using Zoom! I hear you. I am, too. I never thought I would exclusively use telehealth in my practice, but I am grateful I chose this route. I know things are opening up, but the truth is that the pandemic continues to affect us all. One thing I know for sure is that there is a mental health crisis in America.
I predict that the majority of my colleagues will continue to, at least part-time, will use telehealth to meet clients where they are. I appreciate my mental health and medical providers using telehealth. As we head into Fall/Winter, the need for telehealth appointments will continue to rise as flu season kicks in. Following are a few of the benefits you get from telehealth! 1 Time Saving You don't need to get ready, go outside, pick up a bus or even use your car and travel to your therapist for the appointment. Imagine how much time is wasted doing all this. Back in my in-person office, folks would rush between appointments, often late, and we would just be getting into the appointment when the clock ran out. Off they were, back to another appointment or work. Now you can find a quiet cubicle and Zoom in for a call. If you are working at home, it’s probably easier. And I don’t mind the ambient house noises. I make it super easy for anyone to schedule an appointment with me. 2 Access To Remote Areas Over the years, I’ve received inquiries from potential clients pleading for referrals in their area. I have access to referral sources, but I always come up short in finding providers in small towns. Well, Zoom and Simple Practice have made that easier. I can reach clients in other states: GA, VA, OR, and FL. It’s convenient for them and for me. The only hiccup may be the time zone difference, but that’s an easy fix. I appreciate being able to reach clients near and far. 3 Ensures Consistency With telehealth mental health counseling, no matter where you are, and regardless of the situation, you can attend the session and maintain consistency. I have found that new clients are more willing to follow through on intake appointments and follow-up sessions now that there are telehealth options. I recall many no-shows back when I had my office. It’s different now. Consistent mental health counseling allows for more significant healing. It’s essential to learn the skills and then go out into the world and practice. This requires diligence and willingness. I enjoy teaching self-care skills, anxiety and depression reduction techniques and witnessing each client’s growth. Consistent treatment opens up doors, physically and mentally. Final Thoughts Telehealth is a game changer for those seeking mental health care. As a provider, I want to ensure I can meet clients where they are. And I need to make it safe for them and me. I have chosen telehealth as my main focus at ABLE Life Recovery. Covid restrictions are easing, but it’s not gone. Clients can still find me. I can connect with them and offer them the same empathy, compassion, and support I did before the lockdown. I am grateful for telehealth. I appreciate all the clients that have held onto their mental health care through all the tribulations. No matter where you are, you can access care. Winter is among us. It’s time to get scheduled. Hone those self-care skills, increase consistency with your providers, and hold onto hope. We got this. Take good care. D.J. |
AuthorThis entire website is about me, my therapist practice, and my journey of being a healing professional. Archives
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