Self Care Sunday
Sundays I have designated “Self Care Sundays” Let’s visit together over a cuppa, while taking time for ourselves, guilt free. Think on this, words from a wise woman about January blues ….
“January is upon us. For many it can be a difficult time of year. The Christmas season fills our minds starting in October, if not before. There is huge amounts of planning and organizing that go into the holiday. Time is spent thinking about loved ones and how to show our appreciation for them through gift giving and the various parties and gatherings we will attend. The months leading up to Christmas have us looking forward to the food, gifts, friends, loved ones and social activities. As the holiday creeps closer, we engage in many social activities and are very busy with social obligations. This business provides a welcome distraction to our everyday difficulties and worries. We simply haven’t the time to think about the negative aspects of our life. The social activities help to decrease feelings of loneliness and isolation and make us feel more connected. This all culminates with the holiday itself. “
Hold on to those thoughts while I introduce you to my friend Lorie. She tells me “I graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work in 2000 from the University of Manitoba and am a member in good standing with the Manitoba College of Social Workers. I have more than 20 years of experience in many areas of social work. I have had the opportunity to work with children and families at risk, people involved in the medical system, several provincial programs including
Probation Services and The Office of the Public Trustee, and most recently in the Mental Health department with the Department of National Defense.”
Back to thoughts on the January blues from this wise woman….
“Then comes January with its cold weather, limited activities and fewer social opportunities. Human beings are highly adjustable which means that during November and December we become accustomed to little down time and managing multiple demands however all of this drops off quickly following the holiday and it can take a bit of time to adjust to the new tempo. While that adjustment is happening there can be significant drops in mood, energy, and motivation along with increases in anger, irritability, impatience and negative thinking. All the challenges and worries that were removed because of the distraction of the season come back stronger than before. When fatigue is added the effects are compounded.”
Sound familiar? Do you usually have a very very busy Christmas holiday season. In my household it is referred to as “Silly season”, as every level of the business meets. The whole, then each section breaks down with its own gathering. Party after party for the weeks leading to Christmas. Obligations, family, work and household responsibilities become an overwhelming busy.
More about Lorie, from Lorie …
In the last eight years of my career, I have taken a special interest in assisting people to overcome the effects of trauma on their lives. I have pursued training in treatments specific to the treatment of trauma related illnesses including Anxiety, Depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Most people experience trauma professionally or personally at some point in their lives and some experience subsequent difficulties as a result. These are the individuals I hope to reach and provide assistance to. Through my work with military personnel, I have had the opportunity to provide treatment to individuals who have experienced various types of trauma. I also have the knowledge and expertise to provide education related to resilience. I believe that being proactive in providing the information and skills that promote resiliency is an important step towards maintaining a healthy workforce under stressful situations. I would now like to provide this service to others in my community.
Here is what Lorie says about the upcoming weeks and 2021…
“2020 has been a year like no other and has brought its own challenges to an already challenging time. The experience outlined above is common during a “normal” year and was likely significantly worsened by the effects of the COVID 19 pandemic. If you are experiencing symptoms like low mood, motivation, and energy, increased irritability, anger, difficulties sleeping, social isolation, and anxiety you are not alone. The fight against the virus has been waging for 9 months which means that our internal resources are being depleted at an alarming rate. We entered the holiday season with significantly lower internal reserves than previous years. Smaller reserves means that smaller changes and challenges will have a bigger than expected impact, further reducing our reserves. There have been too many changes to our way of life and we have had too little control over how they are implemented and how they affect our lives.”
CONTACT INFORMATION
Lorie Lelond
Strength From Within Counselling
Address 1439-1st Street Brandon, MB R7A 2Y7
Phone number - 204-573-1562
Email - strengthfromwithin@icloud.com
Facebook@thestrengthfromwithin
“For those who are familiar with the low period in January and February, don’t be surprised if it seems a bit more challenging this year. For those who haven’t experienced this before know that it is common and not a failing on your part. This year has been difficult. Be kind to yourself. “
Take care my friend.
Joanne
