1. On Being, with Krista Tippett: Discussions of spiritual inquiry, social healing, politics, and connection in relationships with different guest speakers
2. Black Girl in Om, Lauren Ash: Discussions with wellness experts from a variety of disciplines to address topics such as self-love, intuitive eating, and mindfulness as they relate specifically to Black women and women of color
3. Unlocking Us, Brene Brown: teachings on vulnerability, courage, empathy, grief, anti-racism
4. Happier, Gretchen Rubin: explore steps you can take to better appreciate happiness in your day-to-day life
5. Good Life Project, Jonathan Fields: intimate conversations with well-known leaders around living a fully-engaged and meaningful life
6. Getting’ Grown, Tykeia Robinson & Jade Verette: witty commentary and insight into the lows that come with real adulating, while reminding us to savor the highsWell In Mind is here for you. 

Well In Mind is here for you.  Just call 815-933-2240, option #2 to schedule an appointment or to ask about your EAP benefits

• Be Good to Yourself: Taking time to do things that will enhance your self-esteem or give you a good dose of fun will not only take your focus off of feeling alone, but it can lift your spirits as well
• Understand that You’re Not Alone: While it may be uncomfortable to feel lonely, it’s okay and normal to feel this way. Talking to others who may share your feelings can help you to feel less alone in your situation.
• Rethink Your Expectations: Realize that few people’s life truly measure up to “movie” or commercial standards of perfect living, and shift your focus to all the great things you do have in your life. Limit social media if you are feeling lonelier and stressed after viewing other people’s holiday life.
• Get Connected: This may be a time to message people over social media whose statuses you usually simply like, and catch up on old friendships. It’s harder to feel lonely when you’re reaching out to people, whether it’s co-workers, neighbors, or old friends.
• Cultivate Gratitude: It’s hard to focus on gratitude and what you’re lacking at the same time. Maintaining a gratitude journal can help lower depression and stress and increase a sense of wellness and fullness in life.
• Examine your Feelings: If you feel lonely much of the time, this may be a cue that some changes are in order for the coming year. Examine what’s behind your feelings of loneliness. Call Well In Mind at x. 6187 if you need support in this or any of the above mentioned tips.

• Acknowledge your feelings: Recognize any sadness, grief, loneliness, or anxiety that might be present.
• Reach out: If you are lonely, seek out community. If you are stressed, talk to friends or family about your concerns. Try volunteering to foster inspiration and stay connected.
• Be realistic: Things don’t have to be perfect, or like they were last year. Traditions change and grow with families. Get creative on how to adapt favorite traditions and brainstorm new ones.
• Set aside differences: Accept friends and family as they are, even if they don’t live up to your expectations.
• Stick to a budget: Decide how much you can spend on food and gifts before you start shopping. Don’t buy happiness!
• Plan ahead: Set aside time for shopping, baking, and connecting with others. Make to-do lists in advance.
• Learn to say no: Saying yes when you should say no leads to resentment and feeling overwhelmed. It’s okay if you don’t feel comfortable participating in every event you get invited to.
• Don’t abandon healthy habits: Have healthy snacks before holiday meals, get plenty of sleep, maintain regular physical activity, engage in mindfulness and deep breathing, limit or avoid tobacco, alcohol, and drugs.
• Take a breather: Make time for yourself, even if just 15 minutes alone with no distractions.
• Seek professional help if you need it : Call Well In Mind at x6187 for more in-depth support.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons —most often starting in the fall and continuing into the winter months.  The pandemic we are going through may add to the misery of Seasonal Affective Disorder, but we have strategies that can help! It’s important to line up resources that can be put in place now, so when your tank is already low, it doesn’t completely drop as we get into these months. 

• Create and follow a schedule that designates a time for sleep, meals, exercise and self-care. This provides a welcome sense of familiarity.
• Count the hours of sunlight as a reminder that seasonal depression is just that — seasonal.
• Take up indoor activities such as growing indoor plants, reading, writing letters and painting.  This can give you something to look forward to each day.
• Practice gratitude to help you feel more empowered and off-balance a sense of powerlessness that COVID has collectively provided our world.
• Get yourself some light therapy by going for a daily walk, opening blinds, turning on lights, or using a light therapy box which mimics outdoor light.
• Substitute cellphone scrolling with knitting.  Colors, patterns and the tactile feel of textures is more soothing to focus on.
•  Get physical activity.  An easy in-home option can be yoga.

Well In Mind is here for you.  Just call 815-933-2240, option #2 to schedule an appointment or to ask about your EAP benefits.