As we all know, Christmas is an extremely hectic time of the year. It sometimes happens that when the last forkful of turkey casserole has been eaten and when the last of the
holiday visitors has driven off, we are stuck by a wave of emotional exhaustion. What can we do to ease ourselves out of this period of letdown?
Before Christmas
- Pace yourself
- Take time to ponder the significance of Christmas; resolve not to let consumerism take over.
- If you have lost a loved one, Christmas may be the toughest anniversary of all. Keep family close at hand and give yourself permission to be upset. Recall the warm memories and perhaps add a new ritual or two in his/her memory.
After Christmas
- Take time to rest. Fatigue is a contributing factor to the “blues.” Children also need time to “hang out” with their toys and games so as to savor them and to unwind.
- Share your feelings of sadness. These may relate to missing a family member or saying goodbye to family and friends who are now returning to their homes. Help to ease the painby talking or writing.
- Take up the invitation to look at the spiritual side of life and to develop it. This can be done by reading spiritual articles or revisiting a belief system or religion.
- Set realistic goals for the year ahead, perhaps in regard to financial management.
- Go for long walks with a relative or close friend.
- Visit someone in need.
Denis works with couples and individuals. His areas of interest include marriage, grief and stress. He also offers counselling to those who suffer from depression and anxiety symptoms. Denis is eclectic in his use of psychological approaches, which include Adlerian, Cognitive/behavioural, existential and emotionally focused therapies. Denis has published a book titled, "Marriage Can Be Great!...no really," which provides tips and strategies that can assist in strengthening relationships. Denis was a Clinical Assistant Professor of medicine at the University of British Columbia and also helped to create the first hospice program in B.C. in 1975. Denis received his Master of Arts degree from the University of British Columbia in 1977 and works as a Registered Psychologist. He is a member of the B.C. College of Psychologists and the B.C. Psychological Association. Most importantly Denis has been married to Maureen for over forty-five years and they have four children and four grandchildren.
