LifeScope F.Y.I.
Volume 20, No. 4
an E4 Health, Inc. solution
LifeScope
is a FREE,
CONFIDENTIAL,
24/7 and private
benefit offered by your
employer.
You can use LifeScope
anytime by calling:
1-877-267-4188
Or logging onto our
website at:
www.LifeScopeEAP.com
login/password:
providencecollege
Download your FREE
LifeScope mobile app
today!
Navigating the Holidays With Less Stress
The holidays can be a time for joy and celebration. They are a time for
sharing with friends and family, and enjoying a festive atmosphere of
lights, sounds and smells that fill the season. However, the expectations
of the holidays can leave us feeling lonely and depressed, or frantic,
overwhelmed and exhausted. Below are a few strategies to help us begin
to think and prepare for a safe and happy holiday.
Realistic Expectations
Often we have high expectations of the holidays, which may or may not be
fulfilled. Take time before the holidays to think about what are positive,
realistic resolutions and expectations. Busy schedules, social demands
with friends and family, and financial pressures create stress no matter
how positive the holidays are. Knowing that this stress will exist and
preparing for it are the best ways to ensure a healthy and happy holiday.
Structure and Balance
Don't spend too much time alone or too much time socializing. Find a
balance between isolation and non-stop partying. Structure your
weekends around activities such as visits to people, church or synagogue
services, chores, jobs, or volunteer your time toward a worthy holiday
cause. If you can't be with loved ones during the holidays, write or call
them. Take responsibility for how the holiday time is spent. Choose to be
with people you know and with whom you will feel a sense of belonging.
Exercise
Maintain a regular exercise program. Whether it's getting outside for a
brisk walk, jogging, swimming laps, or using a stationary bicycle, exercise
will help to maintain fitness and has been demonstrated to be effective in
helping to lift depression. If in doubt about a sound program, consult
your physician.
Spending and Time Management
Pace yourself. Know how much money you have to spend for the
holidays, know how much you have to accomplish, and then budget your
money and time accordingly. Make a list of presents to buy, cards to
write, preparations to make, and try to accomplish something every day.
Talk to family or friends about setting dollar limits on gifts. Give gifts of
"time" or "service", or make homemade gifts.
(continued)
www.LifeScopeEAP.com
1-877-267-4188
LifeScope F.Y.I.
Volume 20, No. 4
Navigating the Holidays With Less Stress (continued)
Eating and Drinking
Beware of over-indulgence. Watch out for too many late nights. Fatigue makes depression worse; rest
does the opposite. Too much rich food can make a person sluggish and tired. Watch alcohol consumption.
Remember, alcohol is a depressant. While it also may initially create a feeling of relaxation and warmth, it
also depresses the central nervous system. If you have a drinking problem or eating disorder, attend
Alcoholics Anonymous or Overeaters Anonymous meetings regularly. The support of a group can get you
through.
We can expect too much from the holidays. Our memories, expectations, the commercialism of the season
and the resulting feelings can set us up to feel let down. Remember, it is not the holiday season that
is stressful, but how we handle it and feel about it that can lead to stress. We can accept our feelings
as okay, giving ourselves permission to experience the holidays as they occur. How we feel about the
holidays and how we handle our feelings can help reduce stress.
Staying Healthy in the Workplace This Winter
There are a number of simple and practical steps we can take that
will reduce the intensity of illness at our worksites this winter, and
may even decrease the numbers of ill co-workers. Here are some
tips that our staff has gathered from various medical sources,
including the Centers for Disease Control:
 Wash your hands frequently, for at least 10-20 seconds, especially if you
are sharing equipment with colleagues. Shaking hands with someone ill
is one of the most common ways that germs spread in offices.
 Try not to touch your face during the day. Too often people touch their
noses, ears and eyes as they are listening or thinking. This is a major way
to introduce germs from your hands into your body. Remember: Your
hands touch many objects all day long, some of which have previously
been touched by people at work who are sick.
 Consider having a small bottle of anti-bacterial hand lotion in your desk.
If someone ill shakes your hand, use the lotion.
 When and if you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a
tissue. This may prevent others from catching your cold.
 Keep your distance from others who are sick.
 If it is possible, consider staying home when you are sick. Not only might
you recover faster by resting, but you will prevent your friends and
colleagues from getting sick as well.
 Keep healthy this fall and winter season by exercising regularly, getting
sufficient sleep, and eating properly. We all know these facts, but actively
practicing them will build up your immune system. Loss of sleep is a key
culprit in reducing your body’s capacity to fight off illness.
 If you are a high risk patient, speak with your physician about the
benefits of a flu shot. Assess your stress level frequently. There is now
ample evidence suggesting that high levels of stress contribute to
hormone levels and your blood cell’s ability to fight infection.
Did You Know…
Reduced exposure to light in the Fall
and Winter can affect your mood?
There are solutions available to treat
Seasonal Affective Disorder or “SAD”.
Contact LifeScope today!
1-877-267-4188
www.LifeScopeEAP.com
login/password: providencecollege
All of us at LifeScope and
E4 Health, Inc. want to wish you
and your family a peaceful, fun and
life affirming holiday season.
Take care and Enjoy!!