6. Make a Plan. Map out specific days for shopping, baking, and other holiday activities. Find ways to create efficiencies – make shopping lists now, save time by shopping online, divide responsibilities etc. This will help prevent stressful last minute scrambling. 7. Give yourself permission to say no. If saying yes will leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed, give yourself permission to say no. 8. Make time for your health. Don’t let the holidays become an excuse to neglect yourself. Make time for exercise, sleep, and activities that contribute to your physical and mental health. 9. Take a break. Find calm. Try spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, clearing your mind, slowing your breathing, and restoring inner calm. 10. Seek professional help if you need it. Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling persistently sad, anxious, or hopeless. If these feelings last for a while, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. If you need support with your mental health during the holidays, Broadlawns Medical Center is here to help. Broadlawns offers the most comprehensive delivery system for mental health services in Central Iowa. Our professionals are dedicated to excellence, compassion, and personalized care. Individual therapy is available in-person and virtually for patients of all ages. To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit www.broadlawns.org or call (515) 282-5695. Kayla Bell-Consolver (she/her/hers) is the Director of the Drake University Counseling Center. Kayla has worked in the mental health field since 2016. She completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Drake University in 2016 and received her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Drake University in 2019. She has training in EMDR Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, and Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, but utilizes person-centered therapy to remain present with the individual and determine which treatment approach feels most helpful for them. Kayla specializes in trauma informed practices, especially as it relates to LGBTQ+ and BIPOC experiences.i
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