Higher Ed EAP: Take control of your holiday season before it controls you

The holidays can be stressful! People cite financial pressures and family dynamics as top stressors. Plus, this year is our second pandemic holiday, so add loss and loneliness to the mix of potential problems. As with any other big events, advance planning and prepping for potential problems can keep you in control. Here’s advice from our counseling team:

• Set a realistic budget and stick to it. Budget your time, too. Prioritize the most important activities.
• Stick to your routine. Holidays offer many temptations to overindulge in food and drink and ignore sleep and exercise.
• Spend time with the people who mean the most. Prioritize time with your loved ones and limit your exposure to toxic people.
• Be generous with yourself and with others. Forgive yourself and forgive others. Perform random acts of unexpected kindness for strangers.
• Relax. Plan healthy ways to de-stress in advance: Spending time alone, exercising, reading or meditation can help slow the pace.
• Have a lifeline. Remember, if things get to be too much during the season, keep the number to your EAP handy. Higher Ed EAP is available 24-7-365 by calling 1-800-252-4555.

Here are resources that your EAP offers for help with some of the most common stressors. Login to www.HigherEdEAP.com to explore self-help tools and resources:

• Financial planning– Click on the Personal Finance and Education Center tile for hundreds of tools to help make the best financial choices.
• Saving money – Check out Lifestyle Savings Benefits for saving on thousands of products and services ranging from clothing to food items and entertainment.
• Family dynamics – For help with parenting, relationships, or family issues, click on Work Life.
• Emotional issues – For help with grief, loss, anxiety, stress, depression, or addiction, click on Emotional Wellbeing.
• Wellness – Click on the Wellness Center to get your diet, fitness, or sobriety back on track.