Holiday Survival Kit: Managing Stress with Dr. Qaumaniq Suuqiina
Despite the stress, it can also be an exciting time of The Year, a nostalgic time of The Year, and if we keep our expectations in check, because we have to remember that expectations.
The holiday season is often painted as a picture-perfect time filled with joy and family gatherings. But for many, it can be a whirlwind of stress, anxiety, and loneliness. In this episode of 'The Be Attitudes', Dr. Qaumaniq Suuqiina dives into practical ways to handle holiday stress and actually thrive during this festive yet challenging period. Dr. Qaumaniq starts by addressing the unrealistic expectations that often come with the holidays.
She emphasizes that it’s okay if everything isn’t picture-perfect and encourages listeners to manage their expectations to avoid unnecessary disappointment. This perspective can help you focus on the positives and truly enjoy the season. For those in addiction recovery, the holidays can be particularly tough. Dr. Qaumaniq highlights the importance of having a solid plan to prevent relapse, noting that this time of year sees more relapses than any other.
She advises creating an escape plan and reaching out for support whenever needed. The episode also touches on a serious issue that often spikes during the holidays: domestic violence. Dr. Qaumaniq provides crucial safety planning tips for victims, such as keeping a phone number for a safe shelter handy and seeking emotional support before and after events. If you’re spending the holidays alone, Dr. Qaumaniq offers compassionate advice on how to cope with loneliness.
She reassures listeners that it’s okay to struggle and suggests simple yet effective ways to find solace, like taking a walk or asking for help. By the end of the episode, you'll walk away with a toolkit full of strategies for managing holiday stress, from setting realistic expectations to having a game plan for addiction recovery and safety. Tune in to gain valuable insights that can make your holiday season not just bearable, but enjoyable.