Ep 043: A Little Advice for the Holidays
Today is our last episode of 2023 just in time for the holidays. We bring all of the Taylor/Deppisch siblings together – our little sister, Becky Taylor, and our little brother, Jonathan Deppisch – who is also our composer – to discuss how to deal with stress and protect your mental health over the holidays!
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We’re especially grateful for all of our listeners, friends, and family who submitted voice recordings, and text messages with advice on how to deal with your mental health over the holidays and throughout the year. We’re grateful to have so much to share today to hopefully make the upcoming weeks a little lighter.
Our conversation explores the topics of creating healthy expectations, setting boundaries, saying no, and reconciling your capacity with your expectations during the holiday season. Our advice emphasizes the importance of appreciating simple things and respecting boundaries. The conversation also highlights the value of creating alone time and quiet spaces. As the holidays approach, find a way to find joy in everyday moments and cherish happy memories.
Thank you to Mary-Anne Taylor (our mom!), Marcie Peterson, Blair, Nicole Tersigni, Julia Rowland, Lilly Waterfield, Amanda Smith-Kolic, Sarah Snyder from Adulting ADHD, Susan Madigan, Leah Iwaniuk, Leah Simmons, Lisa Lutes, Erin Davis, Kathleen Smith (The Anxious Overachiever), Stephanie Fornasier from Psychocinematic, Pete Whemby, and Celeste Koon.
Listen to Braaains on these platforms (or anywhere you listen to podcasts!)
Music: Deppisch
Mixing/ Mastering: Tony Bao
Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast
TAKEAWAYS
It is important to set healthy expectations for the holiday season and let go of the pressure to do everything.
Setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining mental health during the holidays. It is okay to say no to social events or activities that may drain your energy.
Saying no can be a complete sentence. You don't need to provide an explanation or feel guilty for declining invitations.
Reconciling your capacity and expectations is essential. Recognize that time is limited and prioritize activities and relationships that are most important to you. Appreciate the simple things in life and find joy in everyday moments.
Respect boundaries and be open to sharing interests with others.
Take responsibility for your own mood and avoid trying to fix others' distress.
Express love and care through food and create special moments with loved ones.
Create alone time and quiet spaces to recharge and decompress.
Celebrate favorite holiday traditions and cherish happy memories.
Find joy in the little things and strive to maintain healthy relationships.
REFERENCES
Learning to Let People Be Disappointed by Kathleen Smith (The Overanxious Achiever) [PS Sign up for Kathleen’s Substack, it’s great!]
Let’s Normalize Creating Your Own Holiday Traditions by Andrea Brunetti, LMHC (Humantold)
Other episodes you’ll enjoy:
Holidays on Film - Episode 021
For the Love of Animals (Animal Assisted Therapy) - Episode 010
Identity (a little more about hosts Heather & Sarah Taylor) - Episode 001
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