Community Alliance’s Post

A 2022 survey by Mind UK found that 26% of adults feel lonelier during the festive period. According to the American Psychological Association, 38% of people report increased stress levels during the holidays due to financial pressures, time constraints, and family dynamics. The holiday season is often depicted as a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. Yet, for many, this time of year brings feelings of stress, loneliness, and sadness. Understanding why the Christmas season can be challenging and exploring ways to manage these emotions can help us support ourselves and others more compassionately. https://lnkd.in/dcz_aV2t #mentalhealthholidays #copingwithstress #jeremyalford #holidaywellness #mentalhealthmatters

🎄Feeling overwhelmed by holiday clutter?🎄 With the hustle and bustle of the season, it's easy for clutter to take over and throw off your holiday plans. But don't worry—we’ve got you covered! #ChristmasClutter #HolidayOrganization #StressFreeHolidays #SortedOutOrganizing Check out our blog on Easy Ways to Control Christmas Clutter and Organize your Holiday Season https://lnkd.in/gXttxrxm

The Holiday Season Doesn’t Have to Be Overwhelming! People-pleasing, sibling dynamics, and caring for ageing parents can feel like a lot—especially at this time of year. It's not for the faint-hearted, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of taking on more than you should. Don’t let yourself become the person everyone depends on, adding unnecessary pressure. Set your boundaries and make it clear what you're willing to do. Empaths, remember—it’s YOUR Christmas holiday too! You deserve to enjoy the season without feeling anxious or overwhelmed by everything piling on your shoulders. Join me for my FREE webinar this week to learn how to set and communicate your boundaries clearly, so you can have a stress-free holiday season. Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/ejt4BkNY

🎄Feeling overwhelmed by holiday clutter?🎄 With the hustle and bustle of the season, it's easy for clutter to take over and throw off your holiday plans. But don't worry—we’ve got you covered! #ChristmasClutter #HolidayOrganization #StressFreeHolidays #SortedOutOrganizing Check out our blog on Easy Ways to Control Christmas Clutter and Organize your Holiday Season https://lnkd.in/g9b9k8mF

(Your) Home for the Holidays Make the season safe for an aging loved one The holidays are often a joyful time, with families and friends gathering together, bustling with activity and joining happy crowds to shop, attend events, and enjoy the season. But that sparkle and dash—or even the mellower delights of sitting down to a Thanksgiving meal this week—can leave behind some elderly folks, especially those with mobility issues and health challenges. Loneliness is a huge problem among the United States’ oldest residents, and that loneliness can be exacerbated during the holidays. Most families, and even friends and neighbors, do what they can to include elderly relatives and friends in the season’s events. Sometimes, that means hosting an elderly person for a few days. Hosting has its complications, of course, so here are some tips for hosting an elderly person that can help everyone have the best holiday possible. Please visit our website to read more: https://lnkd.in/grUHVKXY Photo by Jill Wellington, Pixabay

Families coming from out of town for the holidays are like snowstorms—exciting in theory, chaotic in execution, and likely to leave behind some kind of mess. They arrive with overstuffed suitcases, ambitious plans to tell you how you can “fix things” and a carload of conflicting dietary needs. “Is this gluten-free 𝘢𝘯𝘥 vegan?" Someone always forgets their toothbrush, the kids bring energy that could power the grid, and Aunt Helen insists on making her famous casserole at 6 a.m. But in the end, amidst the noise and mismatched sleeping arrangements, there's a special warmth in gathering everyone under one roof. Add to the mix a family member dealing with a serious illness, and unsolicited advice about their care from visiting out-of-towners can lead to hurt feelings and tension. It’s easy to feel judged, especially when those who live close by are doing their best. I love the guidance from Treasure Valley Hospice in Idaho about navigating family dynamics. Their advice is valuable all year long, especially: “You are writing family history through your behavior.” A link to the full piece can be found in the comments. What’s your best tip for navigating family dynamics during the holidays? #patientexperience #hospice #navigatingfamilydynamics

What's supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year is often the most stressful for parents. That's why this holiday season Parents is encouraging you to do LESS. From ways to save to embracing underconsumption core, here's how to reclaim your winter. https://lnkd.in/eGZGeaG2

Challenges During Holidays The holiday season can intensify seniors' feelings of loss and loneliness. Create new traditions that include your loved ones sharing favorite memories. How can you make this holiday season memorable for your loved one, creating new ones?

As we head into the Christmas chaos season, it’s important to recognise that for many, this time of year isn’t all joy and cheer. In fact, it can be downright hard. Whether it’s due to unresolved trauma, toxic family dynamics, unmet expectations, financial stress, loneliness, or grief, the holiday season can bring a unique set of challenges. In this week’s blog, I want to encourage you to slow down, pay attention, and approach the season with empathy and emotional intelligence. These qualities can make a world of difference—not just for you, but for those around you. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the season with care: 1. Set Realistic Expectations Christmas often comes with a mountain of expectations: the perfect meal, the perfect gifts, and the perfect family gathering. But life is rarely perfect, and that’s okay. Setting realistic expectations for yourself and others can reduce the pressure and help you focus on what truly matters. 2. Be Attentive to Emotional Cues Pay attention to how those around you are feeling. Are they quieter than usual? Are they withdrawing? These subtle cues can signal that someone may be struggling. Use your emotional intelligence to acknowledge their feelings and offer a listening ear. Keep reading the blog here. https://lnkd.in/gPvar5yY On behalf of our team we wish you a peaceful Christmas and one filled with wonderful meaningful conversations around the table. 🎄 😀