Take Care Of YOU This Holiday Season...
Author: Julianna Cooper, Challenge America Music Therapist
The holiday season is a time to gather with friends and family and appreciate those we love - yet it can also be a difficult time for many of us. There are numerous unique challenges experienced by Veterans during the holidays that loved ones simply might not understand. We want to take this moment to encourage you in spending some intentional energy on taking care of yourself and addressing your own needs this month.
Below, we are including a few resources and ideas to prioritize your self-care this December. In addition to these tips, we also hope that you will utilize the CAVARTS and Military Sisterhood Initiative communities this season - we often hear from you that being connected to other Veterans with shared experiences helps you feel seen, known, and understood, and this is priceless to us. Our goal is for our communities to be safe places for connection, and we hope this is a helpful resource for you to celebrate and support your fellow Veterans in this season.
10 Tips for Holiday Self-Care
Know And Respect Your Limits: The holidays are often accompanied by a long list of obligations, errands and events. While these to-do lists can sometimes be fun or exhilarating, they can also be exhausting and emotionally draining. It’s important for you to know when to say “enough” or “no.” Small, successful outings are much better than running yourself into the ground or over-extending yourself.
Develop A Plan For When You Are Feeling Stressed, Sad, or Lonely: This plan may include calling a friend or family member, going for a walk, engaging in an activity that brings joy, or watching a favorite movie. Having a plan ahead of time can help ensure the difficult moments are more manageable.
Decorate For Comfort: During the holiday season, you may find yourself surrounded by an overwhelming number of decorations. This kind of celebration, however, is not a requirement for your own space. You don’t have to use traditional holiday colors or symbols for decorating (unless they bring you joy, of course!) Pick colors and items that give you a sense of happiness, peace, safety, lightness or calm.
Avoid Known Triggers: For some, the holidays are a time of painful reminders. If you find yourself triggered by certain activities or interactions, do your best to replace them with emotionally fulfilling ones. If certain holiday movies remind you of sad times or lost friends, don’t watch them.
Give Back: Serving others was likely one of the reasons you joined the military, and this drive for service can continue after you’ve transitioned to civilian life. Look around your community - chances are, volunteers are needed for a variety of good causes. Check in on loved ones who may be alone or struggling during the holiday season. Helping a friend or neighbor not only gives joy to others, but can support your own happiness and well-being.
Look For Free Activities to Enjoy: The holidays season can be one of increased financial stress - capitalize on free opportunities to try new things and engage with others. Take your dog for a walk, play board games with friends, or join a book club. We have several wonderful free workshops and learning spaces available within CAVARTS - scroll to the bottom of this newsletter to find our upcoming events and learning centers!
Be Extra Giving To Yourself: While the holidays are an excellent opportunity to look outward and appreciate the people in your life, don’t forget to appreciate yourself. Amid holiday shopping and gift giving, perhaps you can buy or make a present for “future you” — maybe something that will support your mental health or encourage a new and healthy hobby. Consider mailing yourself a card or two. Think of an encouraging phrase or a note reminding you of a strength or a special time. Plan that special time to care for your most important commodity — YOU!
Plan to Avoid Substances: For people in recovery, the holiday season presents difficult challenges that can trigger the use of substances. Having a plan for navigating social events and feelings of loneliness can reduce the risk of substance use. For family and friends, it is important to check in on those who may be struggling with substance use over the holidays.
Connect With Community: If you can’t be near loved ones during the holidays, finding a supportive community through clubs, support groups, community centers, local meetups, and faith communities can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. Consider scheduling a regular phone call with family and friends as well. We often hear from our members that being in community around other Veterans with shared experiences helps to feel seen, known, and understood, and this is priceless to us. We hope the Challenge America community can be a safe place to unite with each other this holiday season.
Know When to Seek Help: If you feel that your mental health struggles are becoming overwhelming and difficult to handle, it is important to seek help and know that treatment is available. Below are free and confidential resources that can connect you with effective treatment and support.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline — 1-800-662-HELP (4357) - A confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.
FindSupport.gov — An online guide that helps people navigate through common questions when they are at the start of their journey to better behavioral health.
FindTreatment.gov — A confidential and anonymous source of information for persons seeking treatment facilities in the United States or U.S. Territories for substance use/addiction and/or mental health problems.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — If you or someone you know needs support now, you can contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Simply call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
Veterans Crisis Line — Reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Many of them are Veterans themselves. Dial 988 then press 1.
