The Finance Leader Podcast

Bonus Episode 30: Our Mental Fitness Checkup for the Holiday Season

December 07, 2021 Stephen McLain
The Finance Leader Podcast
Bonus Episode 30: Our Mental Fitness Checkup for the Holiday Season
Show Notes Transcript

It’s important for everyone to check their mental fitness during the holiday season. Sometimes we take on more than we can handle and also sometimes our reality doesn’t match up to our expectations. We ask too much of others who may not be ready to act or to participate.

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Stephen McLain:

Hi, this is Stephen McLain of the finance leader podcast. This is bonus episode number 30. We are now in the 2021 holiday season which can be a lot of fun, a lot of stress, a lot of running around getting things done, and also can be emotionally challenging for many people. The Holidays bring out a variety of emotions not everyone enjoys this time of year. I love the holiday season. I love the music, the cold weather, the food and the gatherings. But it can be difficult for many people, especially if they had lost a loved one, or had a major life change, especially in the last few years. I think it's important for everyone to check their mental fitness during the holiday season. Sometimes we take on more than we can handle and also sometimes our reality doesn't match up to our expectations. We ask too much of others who may not be ready to act or to participate. Here are a few of my tips regarding our mental fitness for the holidays. Number one, set appropriate boundaries and also respect other's boundaries. You get to choose your level of participation in events, you get to choose how you celebrate the choice is yours. Please respect the choices of other people, just like you want people to respect yours. And please read the room for who wants to participate and who does not. Don't put pressure on people who choose to celebrate in a different way than you do. Number two, be kind and understanding. This is very similar to boundaries. Not everyone is approaching the holidays like you may be have fun and enjoy your traditions and share you have realistic expectations of people and for events, we can get hurt very easily when reality doesn't match up to expectations. This is also great advice for how we deal with issues around not just for the holidays. Number three, take a break occasionally and breathe. Enjoy the moment enjoy the people in your life. But don't push yourself to the point of exhaustion, take a break, soak it in and enjoy the special people around you. Our holiday traditions are important but not at the expense of our health. I have some special memories from my own childhood that I always wanted to share with the people around me. But you have to take a break. Take it easy, don't push yourself. Number four. Reach out to friends and family who may be having a tough time. The holidays are a time of memories. Not everyone gets to recreate their holiday memories. Or someone may be facing aloneness or a major change of life or a loss. And sure you are checking on people this season and maybe one of your employees. Look for signs that people are struggling like how they engage with others or how they talk. Let's care for our team, our family and our special group of friends. If you need to see a professional for help to get through this time of year, or reach out to someone you trust just to say hi and maybe get a coffee. You don't need to battle your challenges alone. Reach out and share what is going on. Ask for help and get help. I am working on preparing season nine which will debut at the beginning of 2022 I can't wait to share the new episodes of the podcast. Take care and I'll see you next week. Thank you