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Written by: DLC Community Outreach Specialist Jessica Liria, M.S.,

There is no doubt about it—times are tough. As we enter the holiday season, it can be difficult to see through the challenges we are facing to focus on joy and hope. Now, more than ever, we must remind ourselves of what the holidays are all about. It isn’t about the gift-giving or the fancy decorations; it is about comfort, connection, and gratitude.

Here are four tips to prioritize hope and make the best out of this holiday season:

1. Look for the Positives: In this day and age, we are exposed to negativity constantly, both directly and indirectly. This prolonged exposure leads us to experience feelings of sadness, fear and anger throughout most of our day. We have the power to change that! By making an effort to acknowledge our successes and all the things that are going right for us, we lift our spirits and replace those uncomfortable emotions with joy. Try challenging yourself to start each day with a positive thought of yourself and end each day reflecting on something you achieved. “The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.” -Marcus Aurelius

2. Stay Connected: Humans are naturally meant to be social beings. When we find ourselves distancing from others, being more withdrawn than usual, or isolating ourselves, this is a sign that our mental wellness needs support. Those close to us may reach out during this time of need, but we may not be willing or open to their efforts. Please find the courage to accept these hands of help and hope! If you know of someone who has exhibited some of these signs, please offer your own hand. We can think outside the box if our support system is limited. Look for volunteer opportunities or join a community group to establish new connections. We can also connect with our community by learning about resources in Collier County by downloading the Collier CARES app, or visiting: colliercares.org.

3. Practice Self-care: Along with all the warm, fuzzy feelings the holidays bring, we are vulnerable to being overwhelmed…the cooking, cleaning, shopping, and more, can take a toll on our emotional health. Don’t forget to take care of you! Ensure you are taking the time to de-stress and let go of that built up tension. Whether it is five minutes or two hours, it all helps. Assess your self-care habits, identify improvements and make your own customized plan by clicking here.

4. Ask for Help: No concern is too small when it comes to mental health. This has been a rough few years and everyone has been impacted in one way or another. It is ok to not feel ok, and it is ok to ask for help. Feelings of anxiety, anger and sadness weigh heavy on our ability to get through the day and these emotions can put a damper on what should be an enjoyable end of the year. We all deserve happy and healthy lives! David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health has a comprehensive, variety of programs to meet your individual needs.

The human spirit is one of resilience and we all have the power to get through life’s obstacles. Having hope through the holidays may be tough, but we can do tough things! By surrounding ourselves with positivity, seeking connection with others, and addressing our own needs, we can have a joy-filled season.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

Be the light and continue to shine. Happy Holidays to all!