In The Moment Mindful Awareness
Issue #3 December 2006	www.Aida-Therapy.com
Rob Williams, MSW, MBA, LGSW Psychotherapy 1900 Q ST NW, Ste 401 Washington, DC 20036 202.330.5390   REGISTER HERE for Mindful Awareness groups starting in January!   >>> Forward this to someone who might benefit from this help!     Send me your questions!   E-mail: rob@aida-therapy.com   Visit on the Web: www.aida-therapy.com	In this issue:  Got The Holiday Blues? “Holiday & family celebrations can be busy and joyful. But the stresses of holiday events can increase anxiety and cause depression.”   Depression is one of the most common illnesses for adults and seasonal blues can be experienced by many who aren’t ‘clinically depressed’. Unrealistic expectations of family gatherings and parties often lead to disappointment and depression around the holidays. Financial stress, overbooked schedules and memories of “perfect” holidays past or lost loved ones can also contribute to feelings of tension, anxiety and sadness.   Plan ahead and focus on what you really enjoy about the season so that you can spend more time ‘living in the moment,’ which is the key to getting the most out of each holiday experience.   Since holiday schedules are hectic and often include unstructured time, planning ahead and anticipating how you’ll handle difficult situations can have a big impact on how you experience the holiday season.   You can minimize stress and mental anguish over the holidays by remembering to follow a few simple tips:   Stress Tip #1: Have realistic expectations. ►Have realistic expectations of interactions you’ll be having with family and friends. Chances are that your relationships with people will have not changed much unless you’ve invested in improving those relationships during the past year. Spend time with supportive and caring people; reach out to others who may benefit from your support.   Stress Tip #2: Prioritize. ►Make a list and prioritize the activities that are important to you. Make time for what is important; consider carefully whether you absolutely need to do everything on that list. Make time for yourself. Everyone needs downtime.   Stress Tip #3: Remember the spirit of the season. ► Don’t lose sight of the meaningful moments of the season. Look for them, and be optimistic that you’ll find them. Remember that there is no ideal or model for a perfect holiday. With so many different types of families today, feel free to create your own unique way to celebrate.   Stress Tip #4: Limit your drinking. ►Drinking too much can lead to uninhibited behavior, hangovers, and remorse, all of which can lead to depression.   With these tips in mind, you will be more likely to have a mentally healthy and happy holiday season. By being flexible, dealing with the ‘here and now,’ having a sense of humor and trying to be as compassionate and forgiving as you can, it is possible to have a happy and rewarding holiday season.”   This information is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for professional care. If you’re having a hard time emotionally using this, or other tips, don’t hesitate to call me. We’ll find something that works for you. I’m here to help.   Happy & Healthy Holidays,   Rob Williams, MSW, MBA, LGSW Psychotherapist   Source Citation: Medical News Today http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=59282&nfid=crss
	Getting Help and Support from the Author: If you know of someone in need of help regarding anxiety or stress or other mental health issue, please give me a call. I’m here to help. 202.330.5390 or rob@aida-therapy.com   Rob Williams, MSW, MBA, LGSW 1900 Q ST NW, Suite 401 Washington, DC 20036 202.330.5390 map & directions    Notice of copyright: This newsletter is copyright in its entirety by Rob Williams, 2006, all rights reserved, and may not be reprinted in part or whole without the express permission of the author. Click here to visit my website.   The Fine Print: You are subscribed as To share it with others, simply forward a copy of this email. To receive your own copy and receive news and resources, articles, trainings and other tools, please click here to subscribe to this newsletter. To unsubscribe from this newsletter, please click here. [Home] [About] [Therapy] [Directions] [Groups] [FAQ]