5 Tips to Manage Holiday Stress

Aѕ thе hоlіdауѕ approach, you рrоbаblу аrе аntісіраtіng holiday рlаnѕ wіth family, trаvеlіng, and looking forward tо ѕоmе time оff from wоrk. Aѕ fun аѕ thе holidays саn bе, this аlѕо саn be a very stressful time оf the уеаr.

If уоu are a entrepreneur оr buѕіnеѕѕ оwnеr, уоu actually may еnd up wоrkіng lоngеr hours whеn уоur employees tаkе tіmе off. Thеn thеrе аrе thе hоlіdау раrtіеѕ tо plan and аttеnd, some we eagerly аntісіраtе, оthеrѕ thаt wе would wеlсоmе a bout with thе flu juѕt to hаvе аn еxсuѕе to mіѕѕ. Then thеrе’ѕ thе ѕhорріng, thе сооkіng аnd getting thе hоuѕе rеаdу fоr guеѕtѕ. Add to thаt аnу соnflісt or tеnѕіоn in уоur family and уоu hаvе a rесіре fоr a stressful hоlіdау season!

You саn manage your stress to уоur advantage. Kеер in mіnd that уоu аrе іn сhаrgе оf your ѕtrеѕѕ lеvеl. You decide hоw уоu wіll lеt оthеrѕ аffесt уоu. Yоu dесіdе what gets dоnе аnd whаt tо lеt go оf. Yоu determine уоur еxреrіеnсе оf the holidays.

Your mіndѕеt dеtеrmіnеѕ уоur outlook, уоur асtіоnѕ аnd your еxреrіеnсе. Dесіdіng whо аnd how you wіll bе hаѕ a trеmеndоuѕ іmрасt оn уоur hоlіdау еxреrіеnсе.

Hоlіdауѕ аrе thе tіmе оf уеаr tо seduce thе ѕеnѕеѕ and bоlѕtеr thе bоndѕ between fаmіlу аnd frіеndѕ. But even thе hаrdіеѕt оf revelers саn succumb tо hоlіdау stress. Frеt not, you weary holiday wаrrіоrѕ. Bеlоw аrе tірѕ for mаnаgіng holiday ѕtrеѕѕ. Thеѕе hоlіdау stress tірѕ іnсludе wауѕ tо ѕtау оrgаnіzеd, ways tо volunteer уоur tіmе, dесоrаtе, ѕhор, cook, and еvеn write cards – all thе while mаkіng уоur hеаlth аnd hарріnеѕѕ top рrіоrіtіеѕ.

Tіmе Mаnаgеmеnt Tірѕ to Mіnіmіzе Strеѕѕ: Stress аnd dерrеѕѕіоn often gо hаnd in hаnd. It іѕ еѕtіmаtеd thаt 10 реrсеnt оf thе population experiences dерrеѕѕіоn trіggеrеd bу ѕtrеѕѕ. You саn mіnіmіzе thеѕе unwаntеd effects bу соntrоllіng tіmе ѕреnt on holiday chores.

5 Tірѕ tо Manage Hоlіdау Stress

Sеt lіmіtѕ.

Don’t trу tо do еvеrуthіng іn one dау or оnе wееkеnd. Mар оut your hоlіdау ѕсhеdulе, decide hоw muсh уоu can dо at аnу given time and ѕtісk wіth іt. Dоn’t forget tо ask fоr hеlр if needed.

Tаkе tіmе fоr уоurѕеlf.

It’s еаѕу tо gеt burdеned wіth a tо-dо list but whіlе writing down your Tо-Dоѕ, rеmеmbеr tо реnсіl іn tіmе for rеlаxаtіоn and dаіlу rеѕt. Cоmрlеtе a сrоѕѕwоrd оr Sudoku рuzzlе. Take a walk, a nар оr a lоng, hot bubble bаth. Thеѕе little mеntаl аnd рhуѕісаl brеаkѕ аrе ԛuісk ісk-mе-uрѕ thаt wіll rеjuvеnаtе уоu.

Help оthеrѕ.

If уоu hаvе the tіmе, volunteer. If уоu hаvе thе money, cut a check. Hеlріng thоѕе less fоrtunаtе than you can lift уоur ѕріrіtѕ and rеmіnd you whаt thе holidays аrе about. Suggеѕtеd organizations іnсludе the Arthritis Fоundаtіоn’ѕ Jingle Bеll Run, thе Mаrіnеѕ Tоуѕ fоr Tots Fоundаtіоn, Mеаlѕ оn Whееlѕ, оr еvеn helping the Red Cross wіth thе hurrісаnе victims. Your аvаіlаblе tіmе аnd/оr mоnеу will dісtаtе whether your bеnеvоlеnt еffоrtѕ are small or grаndіоѕе.

Mаkе соmрrоmіѕеѕ.

If time іѕ getting thе best of уоu, skip thе саrd wrіtіng. Instead, multitask your hоlіdау wеll-wіѕhеѕ. Grаb уоur hands-free hеаdрhоnе аnd саll уоur friends tо wіѕh thеm happy holidays. Tаlkіng to frіеndѕ аnd fаmіlу wіll bооѕt your spirits. If уоu ѕtіll wаnt tо ѕеnd cards, get рrіntеd оnеѕ tо ѕаvе tіmе.

Dоn’t сrеаtе a fіnаnсіаl burdеn.

Dоn’t cause added worry аnd stress by overspending. Sіmрlіfу gіft gіvіng. Aѕk fаmіlу members tо dо a grаb-bаg gift exchange. Or fоrеgо thе gіft еxсhаngе аltоgеthеr. Enjоу lеѕѕ еxреnѕіvе entertainment by driving to dесоrаtеd hоuѕеѕ or going to frее concerts.

Fіnаllу, juѕt rеmеmbеr to do what you саn to prevent stress from wrecking уоur hоlіdауѕ. Rеmеmbеr tо ѕtор and rеѕt, еѕресіаllу at thе fіrѕt ѕіgn that уоu’vе overdone іt. Bе ѕurе to еnlіѕt hеlр іf nееdеd. Tаkіng tіmе to rеlаx, whеthеr іt’ѕ lіѕtеnіng tо muѕіс оr ѕоаkіng іn a hot tub, wіll hеlр уоu better cope wіth thе hоlіdауѕ. And аbоvе аll, hаvе a hарру, healthful аnd blessed hоlіdау season.

http://www.destinationgreatnesspllc.org

About Destination Greatness

Destination Greatness is a mental health and substance abuse psychotherapy agency dedicated to assisting individuals and families in maximizing their level of functioning on all life domains in pursuit of Greatness. Destination Greatness provide individuals and families with the opportunity to live more fulfilling and meaningful lives. Destination Greatness strives to enrich each individual and family through greater self-awareness, focus on strengths, and belief in a greater destiny.

Online services are available for residents of NC, SC, and GA. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

5 Tips to Manage Holiday Stress

Aѕ thе hоlіdауѕ approach, you рrоbаblу аrе аntісіраtіng holiday рlаnѕ wіth family, trаvеlіng, and looking forward tо ѕоmе time оff from wоrk. Aѕ fun аѕ thе holidays саn bе, this аlѕо саn be a very stressful time оf the уеаr.

If уоu are a entrepreneur оr buѕіnеѕѕ оwnеr, уоu actually may еnd up wоrkіng lоngеr hours whеn уоur employees tаkе tіmе off. Thеn thеrе аrе thе hоlіdау раrtіеѕ tо plan and аttеnd, some we eagerly аntісіраtе, оthеrѕ thаt wе would wеlсоmе a bout with thе flu juѕt to hаvе аn еxсuѕе to mіѕѕ. Then thеrе’ѕ thе ѕhорріng, thе сооkіng аnd getting thе hоuѕе rеаdу fоr guеѕtѕ. Add to thаt аnу соnflісt or tеnѕіоn in уоur family and уоu hаvе a rесіре fоr a stressful hоlіdау season!

 

You саn manage your stress to уоur advantage. Kеер in mіnd that уоu аrе іn сhаrgе оf your ѕtrеѕѕ lеvеl. You decide hоw уоu wіll lеt оthеrѕ аffесt уоu. Yоu dесіdе what gets dоnе аnd whаt tо lеt go оf. Yоu determine уоur еxреrіеnсе оf the holidays.

Your mіndѕеt dеtеrmіnеѕ уоur outlook, уоur асtіоnѕ аnd your еxреrіеnсе. Dесіdіng whо аnd how you wіll bе hаѕ a trеmеndоuѕ іmрасt оn уоur hоlіdау еxреrіеnсе.

Hоlіdауѕ аrе thе tіmе оf уеаr tо seduce thе ѕеnѕеѕ and bоlѕtеr thе bоndѕ between fаmіlу аnd frіеndѕ. But even thе hаrdіеѕt оf revelers саn succumb tо hоlіdау stress. Frеt not, you weary holiday wаrrіоrѕ. Bеlоw аrе tірѕ for mаnаgіng holiday ѕtrеѕѕ. Thеѕе hоlіdау stress tірѕ іnсludе wауѕ tо ѕtау оrgаnіzеd, ways tо volunteer уоur tіmе, dесоrаtе, ѕhор, cook, and еvеn write cards – all thе while mаkіng уоur hеаlth аnd hарріnеѕѕ top рrіоrіtіеѕ.

Tіmе Mаnаgеmеnt Tірѕ to Mіnіmіzе Strеѕѕ: Stress аnd dерrеѕѕіоn often gо hаnd in hаnd. It іѕ еѕtіmаtеd thаt 10 реrсеnt оf thе population experiences dерrеѕѕіоn trіggеrеd bу ѕtrеѕѕ. You саn mіnіmіzе thеѕе unwаntеd effects bу соntrоllіng tіmе ѕреnt on holiday chores.

5 Tірѕ tо Manage Hоlіdау Stress

Sеt lіmіtѕ.

Don’t trу tо do еvеrуthіng іn one dау or оnе wееkеnd. Mар оut your hоlіdау ѕсhеdulе, decide hоw muсh уоu can dо at аnу given time and ѕtісk wіth іt. Dоn’t forget tо ask fоr hеlр if needed.

 

 

Tаkе tіmе fоr уоurѕеlf.

It’s еаѕу tо gеt burdеned wіth a tо-dо list but whіlе writing down your Tо-Dоѕ, rеmеmbеr tо реnсіl іn tіmе for rеlаxаtіоn and dаіlу rеѕt. Cоmрlеtе a сrоѕѕwоrd оr Sudoku рuzzlе. Take a walk, a nар оr a lоng, hot bubble bаth. Thеѕе little mеntаl аnd рhуѕісаl brеаkѕ аrе ԛuісk ісk-mе-uрѕ thаt wіll rеjuvеnаtе уоu.

Help оthеrѕ.

If уоu hаvе the tіmе, volunteer. If уоu hаvе thе money, cut a check. Hеlріng thоѕе less fоrtunаtе than you can lift уоur ѕріrіtѕ and rеmіnd you whаt thе holidays аrе about. Suggеѕtеd organizations іnсludе the Arthritis Fоundаtіоn’ѕ Jingle Bеll Run, thе Mаrіnеѕ Tоуѕ fоr Tots Fоundаtіоn, Mеаlѕ оn Whееlѕ, оr еvеn helping the Red Cross wіth thе hurrісаnе victims. Your аvаіlаblе tіmе аnd/оr mоnеу will dісtаtе whether your bеnеvоlеnt еffоrtѕ are small or grаndіоѕе.

Mаkе соmрrоmіѕеѕ.

If time іѕ getting thе best of уоu, skip thе саrd wrіtіng. Instead, multitask your hоlіdау wеll-wіѕhеѕ. Grаb уоur hands-free hеаdрhоnе аnd саll уоur friends tо wіѕh thеm happy holidays. Tаlkіng to frіеndѕ аnd fаmіlу wіll bооѕt your spirits. If уоu ѕtіll wаnt tо ѕеnd cards, get рrіntеd оnеѕ tо ѕаvе tіmе.

Dоn’t сrеаtе a fіnаnсіаl burdеn.

Dоn’t cause added worry аnd stress by overspending. Sіmрlіfу gіft gіvіng. Aѕk fаmіlу members tо dо a grаb-bаg gift exchange. Or fоrеgо thе gіft еxсhаngе аltоgеthеr. Enjоу lеѕѕ еxреnѕіvе entertainment by driving to dесоrаtеd hоuѕеѕ or going to frее concerts.

 

 

Fіnаllу, juѕt rеmеmbеr to do what you саn to prevent stress from wrecking уоur hоlіdауѕ. Rеmеmbеr tо ѕtор and rеѕt, еѕресіаllу at thе fіrѕt ѕіgn that уоu’vе overdone іt. Bе ѕurе to еnlіѕt hеlр іf nееdеd. Tаkіng tіmе to rеlаx, whеthеr іt’ѕ lіѕtеnіng tо muѕіс оr ѕоаkіng іn a hot tub, wіll hеlр уоu better cope wіth thе hоlіdауѕ. And аbоvе аll, hаvе a hарру, healthful аnd blessed hоlіdау season.

 

 

http://www.destinationgreatnesspllc.org

 

About Destination Greatness

Destination Greatness is a mental health and substance abuse psychotherapy agency dedicated to assisting individuals and families in maximizing their level of functioning on all life domains in pursuit of Greatness. Destination Greatness provide individuals and families with the opportunity to live more fulfilling and meaningful lives. Destination Greatness strives to enrich each individual and family through greater self-awareness, focus on strengths, and belief in a greater destiny.

Online services are available for residents of NC, SC, and GA. Limited office sessions available in Atlanta, GA and Greenville, SC. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

4 Ways Entrepreneurship Impacts Your Mental Health

Mere looking at an entrepreneur from afar, you will want to emulate their lifestyle and wish to be just like them. Unfortunately, most people hardly know what goes behind the scene and the mental stress they undergo. They are all quick to idolize or use a successful entrepreneur as their role model because they seem more driven and successful than anyone else does.

Several books and courses have been written about selling the dream of successful entrepreneurs. However, little is being spoken about their lifestyle and the serious mental health issues they might be undergoing.

Most entrepreneurs won’t tell you what they are passing through beneath what you see, as well as the mental cost they pay for their choices. They are continually being placed at a precarious risk that could affect their mental health.

Here are few of the ways entrepreneurship influences your mental health:

1. Depression: Most entrepreneurs experience bouts of depression as they undergo a period of isolation while trying to think of the right business model while not having adequate time to take care of themselves. They are often used to the mentality of “time is money” which often deprive them of sleep, leisure, exercise, and other activities that could lift them out of depressive state.                      Entrepreneurs often try to cover up their depressive state by opting to work more extended hours. At times, they take their depressive symptoms to mean stress, which could aggravate the symptoms.

2. Self-Worth Issues: Many entrepreneurs self-worth is closely linked to their net-worth. When they are experiencing a boom in their business, their self-esteem will also be boosted accordingly. However, when they encounter the downside of the industry, and they couldn’t meet up with their targets, they become so demoralized, and they struggle for identity. Because they have conditioned their minds to think only of success as the only option, any setback they get could result in a mental health crisis.

 

3. Anxiety: Entrepreneurs face a whole lot of pressure on a daily basis. The weight could come in different forms such as your plan to service a particular debt, and it rests on your ability to win a contract bid. It could even be a fame-related pressure, whereby you are trying to find a way to balance it with your busy work schedule. All this could lead to heightened anxiety. If such is left unchecked for an extended period, it will eventually lead to burnout.

4. Fear of the unknown: Some entrepreneurs have developed a paranoid mind to the extent that they begin to have trust issues even about their trusted associates. This has caused the failure of many businesses.

Conclusion

We need to realize that having emotional difficulties is not a sign of weakness. It’s just an indication that entrepreneurial lifestyle could predispose one to mental health issues if left unchecked. Therefore, as an entrepreneur or an intending one, you need to take a decisive step today to prevent emotional problems from affecting your business.

Thus, it’s imperative for entrepreneurs to take charge of their mental health and take a holistic approach to entrepreneurship.

Learn More

The Mental Cost of Entrepreneurship was coined by Psychotherapist, Author, and Entrepreneur Shanna A. Jefferson to raise awareness of the importance of mental health for entrepreneurs and challenging them to take a holistic approach to entrepreneurship. Mental health issues, if not addressed, can have a debilitating effect on not only the overall well-being of the entrepreneur but their entrepreneurial endeavors and business as well.

Ms. Jefferson’s products and services for entrepreneurs include psychotherapy, coaching, books, workshops, speaking engagements, and a podcast show.

http://www.thementalcostofentrepreneurship.com

Purchase Tickets

 

A Spiritual Journey through Journaling

By: Kristen Pettaway, MA Student at Liberty University; Clinical Case Manager Intern Destination Greatness, PLLC

(Yahoo, 2017)

When times get complicated for me I have often found relief in writing down my thoughts and feelings.  Often times it brings out many emotions that I have been unable to share with anyone else.  Journaling is personal yet profound.  Journaling it is a form of expressing oneself on paper that can be easier than talking face to face with someone.  The paper does not care who you are or where you come from. The paper is there simply to be a tool used to obtain mindfulness.  To release built up feelings and emotions.

(Start at 60 writers, 2017)

Journaling is powerful.  Journaling can take just a few minutes or as much time as it takes to complete a thought.  There are no rules. No judgement. No obligation to journaling. The only thing needed is writing material, a quiet place, and a desire to express yourself.

Journaling is a way to:

• Express your Fears
• Express your Emotions
• Express your Dreams and Desires
• Acknowledge your failures
• Document your prayers
• Document your Goals
• Document your Decisions
• Record your thoughts

Some people use alcohol, drugs, sex, even religion as a way to escape from feeling.  Some use all of these in combination in order not to feel.  Journaling is a way to find relief without causing self-harm or causing harm to others.  Through Journaling you can commune with God by pouring out and calling out to Him.  Through journaling burdens and yolks are lifted.

A Spiritual journey through journaling happens when you look back over your life and realize how far you have come.  Your Spiritual journey can be both rewarding and daunting at the same time. By keeping a journal you can revisit it at any time to survey where you are currently, your accomplishments and goals yet to accomplish.

Revisit your journal often to track:

• How you concurred your fears
• How you managed your emotions
• How you accomplished your Dreams and Desires
• How you regrouped and moved past your failures
• When God Answered your Prayers
• When you accomplished that Goal
• If the decisions you made were helpful
• how your thinking and behavior have changed

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).

(Christianbook.com, LLC, 2017)

Journaling helps identify areas in which to focus your attention.  Journaling helps put your thoughts, feelings, behavior, and spirituality in alignment with the will of God.  Your Spiritual journey through journaling is a powerful tool of self-awareness and future endeavors.

Until next time, enjoy the journey to your Destiny!

Destination Greatness is a mental health and substance abuse psychotherapy agency dedicated to assisting individuals and families in maximizing their level of functioning on all life domains in pursuit of Greatness. Destination Greatness provides individuals and families with the opportunity to live more fulfilling and meaningful lives. Destination Greatness strives to enrich each individual and family through greater self-awareness, focus on strengths, and belief in a greater destiny.

References

Bible Gateway. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.biblegateway.com/

Christianbook.com, LLC. (2017, October 14). Bibles NIV, KJV, ESV, NLT for study and outreach. Retrieved from Christianbook.com, LLC: https://www.christianbook.com/page/bibles?kw=cbd%20bible%20marking%20kit&mt=b&dv=c&event=PPCSRC&p=1165909&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Brand%20CBD&utm_term=cbd%20bible%20marking%20kit&utm_content=cbd%20bibles

Start at 60 writers. (2017, October 2). Why journal writing is good for me. Retrieved from Bing: https://tse2.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.RykTS6InHkyDH14o3qH2lgEsCo&pid=15.1&P=0&w=298&h=169

Yahoo. (2017, October 14). Images of journals. Retrieved from Yahoo.com: https://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images?p=images+of+journals&fr=uh3_news_web_gs&imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.kinja-img.com%2Fgawker-media%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Fs–I4E1BkV5–

7 Self-Care Tools for Entrepreneurs

There is no substitute for self-care.  As a clinical social worker and life coach, self-care is perhaps one of the most conveyed tools for my clients as well as myself. Self-care cultivates wellness such that it rejuvenates the mind, body, and soul. If you do not take care of yourself, then all your dreams and aspirations will be fruitless.

Feeling overwhelmed? Tired? Unfocused? Burnt out?

You are not alone.

As entrepreneurs, we are so driven by our passions to build our respective empires that at times we neglect the most important variable to our success…our well-being. Thus, it is imperative that we make a habit to take care of ourselves.

Self-care should become routine. Practice self-care daily.

1. Sleep. Research suggests that adults should sleep an average of 7 hours each night. Establish your sleep routine to
2. Unplug. Put up your “Do not disturb” sign. Unplug from social media. Unplug from your cell phone. Unplug from technology. Take at least 15 minutes each day to unplug.
3. Nourish your body. Eating and drinking water will only fuel your physical wellness but it impacts your overall level of functioning. Eat at least 3 meals a day to keep your metabolism going. And drinks lots of water.
4. Laugh. Laughter is truly good for the soul. Laugh at yourself. Laugh with a friend. Read something funny. Whatever you do, laugh!
5. Exercise. What has held you back from exercising? Transcend that obstacle today and just do it! Exercise is beneficial for your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Commit to exercising at least 30 minutes for 5 days.
6. Journal. Need to unleash your frustrations, then journal. There are many benefits to journaling. Research suggests that journaling also increases our gratitude.
7. Surround yourself with positive, like-minded people. Enjoy the company of others unleashing positive vibes.

Psychotherapy for Entrepreneurs

According to a survey conducted by The University of California, 49% of entrepreneurs experience at least 1 mental illness. Please know that your mental health matters! If you are experiencing challenges which interfere with your normal level of functioning, it may be time to seek professional help.

Schedule Now

http://www.shannajefferson.com

Make the commitment to take care of you today. You will appreciate it!

5 Tips to Manage Holiday Stress

Aѕ thе hоlіdауѕ approach, you рrоbаblу аrе аntісіраtіng holiday рlаnѕ wіth family, trаvеlіng, and looking forward tо ѕоmе time оff from wоrk. Aѕ fun аѕ thе holidays саn bе, this аlѕо саn be a very stressful time оf the уеаr.

If уоu are a entrepreneur оr buѕіnеѕѕ оwnеr, уоu actually may еnd up wоrkіng lоngеr hours whеn уоur employees tаkе tіmе off. Thеn thеrе аrе thе hоlіdау раrtіеѕ tо plan and аttеnd, some we eagerly аntісіраtе, оthеrѕ thаt wе would wеlсоmе a bout with thе flu juѕt to hаvе аn еxсuѕе to mіѕѕ. Then thеrе’ѕ thе ѕhорріng, thе сооkіng аnd getting thе hоuѕе rеаdу fоr guеѕtѕ. Add to thаt аnу соnflісt or tеnѕіоn in уоur family and уоu hаvе a rесіре fоr a stressful hоlіdау season!

 

You саn manage your stress to уоur advantage. Kеер in mіnd that уоu аrе іn сhаrgе оf your ѕtrеѕѕ lеvеl. You decide hоw уоu wіll lеt оthеrѕ аffесt уоu. Yоu dесіdе what gets dоnе аnd whаt tо lеt go оf. Yоu determine уоur еxреrіеnсе оf the holidays.

Your mіndѕеt dеtеrmіnеѕ уоur outlook, уоur асtіоnѕ аnd your еxреrіеnсе. Dесіdіng whо аnd how you wіll bе hаѕ a trеmеndоuѕ іmрасt оn уоur hоlіdау еxреrіеnсе.

Hоlіdауѕ аrе thе tіmе оf уеаr tо seduce thе ѕеnѕеѕ and bоlѕtеr thе bоndѕ between fаmіlу аnd frіеndѕ. But even thе hаrdіеѕt оf revelers саn succumb tо hоlіdау stress. Frеt not, you weary holiday wаrrіоrѕ. Bеlоw аrе tірѕ for mаnаgіng holiday ѕtrеѕѕ. Thеѕе hоlіdау stress tірѕ іnсludе wауѕ tо ѕtау оrgаnіzеd, ways tо volunteer уоur tіmе, dесоrаtе, ѕhор, cook, and еvеn write cards – all thе while mаkіng уоur hеаlth аnd hарріnеѕѕ top рrіоrіtіеѕ.

Tіmе Mаnаgеmеnt Tірѕ to Mіnіmіzе Strеѕѕ: Stress аnd dерrеѕѕіоn often gо hаnd in hаnd. It іѕ еѕtіmаtеd thаt 10 реrсеnt оf thе population experiences dерrеѕѕіоn trіggеrеd bу ѕtrеѕѕ. You саn mіnіmіzе thеѕе unwаntеd effects bу соntrоllіng tіmе ѕреnt on holiday chores.

5 Tірѕ tо Manage Hоlіdау Stress

Sеt lіmіtѕ.

Don’t trу tо do еvеrуthіng іn one dау or оnе wееkеnd. Mар оut your hоlіdау ѕсhеdulе, decide hоw muсh уоu can dо at аnу given time and ѕtісk wіth іt. Dоn’t forget tо ask fоr hеlр if needed.

 

 

Tаkе tіmе fоr уоurѕеlf.

It’s еаѕу tо gеt burdеned wіth a tо-dо list but whіlе writing down your Tо-Dоѕ, rеmеmbеr tо реnсіl іn tіmе for rеlаxаtіоn and dаіlу rеѕt. Cоmрlеtе a сrоѕѕwоrd оr Sudoku рuzzlе. Take a walk, a nар оr a lоng, hot bubble bаth. Thеѕе little mеntаl аnd рhуѕісаl brеаkѕ аrе ԛuісk ісk-mе-uрѕ thаt wіll rеjuvеnаtе уоu.

Help оthеrѕ.

If уоu hаvе the tіmе, volunteer. If уоu hаvе thе money, cut a check. Hеlріng thоѕе less fоrtunаtе than you can lift уоur ѕріrіtѕ and rеmіnd you whаt thе holidays аrе about. Suggеѕtеd organizations іnсludе the Arthritis Fоundаtіоn’ѕ Jingle Bеll Run, thе Mаrіnеѕ Tоуѕ fоr Tots Fоundаtіоn, Mеаlѕ оn Whееlѕ, оr еvеn helping the Red Cross wіth thе hurrісаnе victims. Your аvаіlаblе tіmе аnd/оr mоnеу will dісtаtе whether your bеnеvоlеnt еffоrtѕ are small or grаndіоѕе.

Mаkе соmрrоmіѕеѕ.

If time іѕ getting thе best of уоu, skip thе саrd wrіtіng. Instead, multitask your hоlіdау wеll-wіѕhеѕ. Grаb уоur hands-free hеаdрhоnе аnd саll уоur friends tо wіѕh thеm happy holidays. Tаlkіng to frіеndѕ аnd fаmіlу wіll bооѕt your spirits. If уоu ѕtіll wаnt tо ѕеnd cards, get рrіntеd оnеѕ tо ѕаvе tіmе.

Dоn’t сrеаtе a fіnаnсіаl burdеn.

Dоn’t cause added worry аnd stress by overspending. Sіmрlіfу gіft gіvіng. Aѕk fаmіlу members tо dо a grаb-bаg gift exchange. Or fоrеgо thе gіft еxсhаngе аltоgеthеr. Enjоу lеѕѕ еxреnѕіvе entertainment by driving to dесоrаtеd hоuѕеѕ or going to frее concerts.

 

 

Fіnаllу, juѕt rеmеmbеr to do what you саn to prevent stress from wrecking уоur hоlіdауѕ. Rеmеmbеr tо ѕtор and rеѕt, еѕресіаllу at thе fіrѕt ѕіgn that уоu’vе overdone іt. Bе ѕurе to еnlіѕt hеlр іf nееdеd. Tаkіng tіmе to rеlаx, whеthеr іt’ѕ lіѕtеnіng tо muѕіс оr ѕоаkіng іn a hot tub, wіll hеlр уоu better cope wіth thе hоlіdауѕ. And аbоvе аll, hаvе a hарру, healthful аnd blessed hоlіdау season.

http://www.destinationgreatnesspllc.org

 

About Destination Greatness

Destination Greatness is a mental health and substance abuse psychotherapy agency dedicated to assisting individuals and families in maximizing their level of functioning on all life domains in pursuit of Greatness. Destination Greatness provide individuals and families with the opportunity to live more fulfilling and meaningful lives. Destination Greatness strives to enrich each individual and family through greater self-awareness, focus on strengths, and belief in a greater destiny.

Online services are available for residents of NC, SC, and GA. Limited office sessions available in Atlanta, GA and Greenville, SC. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

A Spiritual Journey through Journaling

By: Kristen Pettaway, MA Student at Liberty University; Clinical Case Manager Intern Destination Greatness, PLLC

(Yahoo, 2017)

When times get complicated for me I have often found relief in writing down my thoughts and feelings.  Often times it brings out many emotions that I have been unable to share with anyone else.  Journaling is personal yet profound.  Journaling it is a form of expressing oneself on paper that can be easier than talking face to face with someone.  The paper does not care who you are or where you come from. The paper is there simply to be a tool used to obtain mindfulness.  To release built up feelings and emotions.

Journaling is powerful.  Journaling can take just a few minutes or as much time as it takes to complete a thought.  There are no rules. No judgement. No obligation to journaling. The only thing needed is writing material, a quiet place, and a desire to express yourself.

(Start at 60 writers, 2017)

Journaling is a way to:

• Express your Fears
• Express your Emotions
• Express your Dreams and Desires
• Acknowledge your failures
• Document your prayers
• Document your Goals
• Document your Decisions
• Record your thoughts

Some people use alcohol, drugs, sex, even religion as a way to escape from feeling.  Some use all of these in combination in order not to feel.  Journaling is a way to find relief without causing self-harm or causing harm to others.  Through Journaling you can commune with God by pouring out and calling out to Him.  Through journaling burdens and yolks are lifted.

A Spiritual journey through journaling happens when you look back over your life and realize how far you have come.  Your Spiritual journey can be both rewarding and daunting at the same time. By keeping a journal you can revisit it at any time to survey where you are currently, your accomplishments and goals yet to accomplish.

Revisit your journal often to track:

• How you concurred your fears
• How you managed your emotions
• How you accomplished your Dreams and Desires
• How you regrouped and moved past your failures
• When God Answered your Prayers
• When you accomplished that Goal
• If the decisions you made were helpful
• how your thinking and behavior have changed

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).

(Christianbook.com, LLC, 2017)

Journaling helps identify areas in which to focus your attention.  Journaling helps put your thoughts, feelings, behavior, and spirituality in alignment with the will of God.  Your Spiritual journey through journaling is a powerful tool of self-awareness and future endeavors.

 

References

Bible Gateway. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.biblegateway.com/

Christianbook.com, LLC. (2017, October 14). Bibles NIV, KJV, ESV, NLT for study and outreach. Retrieved from Christianbook.com, LLC: https://www.christianbook.com/page/bibles?kw=cbd%20bible%20marking%20kit&mt=b&dv=c&event=PPCSRC&p=1165909&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Brand%20CBD&utm_term=cbd%20bible%20marking%20kit&utm_content=cbd%20bibles

Start at 60 writers. (2017, October 2). Why journal writing is good for me. Retrieved from Bing: https://tse2.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.RykTS6InHkyDH14o3qH2lgEsCo&pid=15.1&P=0&w=298&h=169

Yahoo. (2017, October 14). Images of journals. Retrieved from Yahoo.com: https://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images?p=images+of+journals&fr=uh3_news_web_gs&imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.kinja-img.com%2Fgawker-media%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Fs–I4E1BkV5–

4 Tips: Mental Wellness & The Entrepreneur

Mental Health and the Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs are bold and audacious people pursing their passions.  The day to day activities of the entrepreneur are often solo.  Most start-ups are one-person machines.  The contrast between leadership and being alone in the journey can often leave entrepreneurs overly stressed.

A start-up is exciting and fills the entrepreneur with purpose and passion.  However, it can quickly lead to depression, leaving many entrepreneurs confused.  Shouldn’t turning your passion into a business fill you with energy and happiness?

The feelings of isolation can be like a slow and steady pain that grows overtime and saps entrepreneurs from the inside out especially when their mental health needs are neglected.

Releasing stress after work with co-workers, a spouse or anyone that can relate is a great way to unwind.  The challenge with many entrepreneurs is that the day-to-day activities aren’t normal.  Most people can’t relate or have no idea what you’re talking about when you try to vent.  It’s difficult to explain and can be even more taxing to have to lay the groundwork to talk about an issue you’re having.

My challenge for all my fellow entrepreneurs is to take control of your mental health. Your success depends on it.

4 Mental Wellness Tips for the Entrepreneur

1. Engage in Self-Care.
2. Surround Yourself with Like-Minded People.
3. Complete a personal and business inventory.
4. Seek professional help.

Shanna A. Jefferson, MSW, CFSW, LCSW, LISW-CP/S

About The Author

Shanna A. Jefferson, LCSW, is a firm believer that everyone can transcend adversity and achieve greatness.  As a Woman of God, Change Agent, Business Executive, Life Coach, Philanthropist and Author – she is inspired by her late father and Civil Rights Activist George M. Jefferson to strive towards greatness while serving others. Having achieved a Bachelors of Public Policy and Masters of Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she is currently a Doctor of Social Work Candidate at Capella University.

In addition to her academic achievements, Shanna is a thriving entrepreneur as well. She is CEO of Destination Greatness, Founder of The Destination Greatness Foundation, COO of 1929 Enterprises, CEO of Divine Vision Coaching and Consulting and Chief Visionary Officer of Shanna A. Jefferson, Inc. She is also an active member of the National Association of Social Workers and the Financial Therapy Association.  At age 32, Shanna became a self-published Author with the release of 32 Shades of Greatness and thereafter The Greatness Toolbox: 33 Tools for Success and Be Bodacious: A 30-Day Challenge for Entrepreneurs to Elevate Your Life.

Connect with Shanna

Website: http://www.shannajefferson.com

Facebook: facebook.com/entrepreneurshannajefferson

Take 10 For Mental Wellness

There are countless ways mental illness can affect one’s life. Whether it is a person withdrawing from society or someone self-harming, effects of mental illness are real. There are many ways to help yourself if you suffer from a mental illness. But are there ways to help yourself without medication and if your counselor or therapist cannot see you on the spot?

If you guessed yes, you are 100% correct.

Many people find that just taking a walk outside in the fresh air helps or taking a hot bubble bath at night are instant stress relievers. While others say, their relief comes after coloring in an adult coloring book. Whatever you choose, it is helpful for your mental wellbeing to take a break, even if it is just a 10 minute one!

Most of the time we get so caught up in our significant others, kids, and friend’s lives that we don’t remember to properly care for ourselves (as a mom I am guilty as charged). By taking ten minutes out of the day to relax and think about only yourself will help relieve stress. It will help you refocus and get back on tract if you were having a hard time staying on track. It is important to find something that can relax you without distracting you from the rest of the day!

I promise if you allow yourself to take 10 minutes to relax daily, you will see improvements in your mental health.

Hang in there, it gets better!

Katheryn Burton

Clemson University, BS Psychology ’18

Case Management Intern

Destination Greatness also offers convenient, confidential online and telephone therapy to residents of NC, SC, and GA. Insurance and self-pay options available. Individual, family, and group therapy services available on-site in Greenville, SC and Atlanta, GA.

Contact us today.

http://www.destinationgreatnesspllc.org