Resources

Be kind to yourself:
1) self kindness; you matter! Remember yourself at the holidays 
2) mindfulness; focus on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts and by sensations.
3) Common humanity; helping others and reconnect with people.
4) Sleep! Our bodies need more sleep in times of stress and grief.

IT’S ALL CONNECTED: we see that not only our thoughts, feelings, and the body, and behavior connected, they are influenced by the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of our past.

Our present thoughts also influence our ​future​ behavior. Once we understand this, we can break into the cycle of thoughts, feelings, body, and behavior and make a change. Look for connections between your thoughts, feelings, body, and behavior in your everyday experiences. Observe how your thoughts influence your present...

OVERCOMING BREAKUP AT THE HOLIDAYS

TEARS:
T - Talk Talk Talk; friends, support system and therapist.
E - Exercise. Any physical movement; walking, gym, jogging, yoga, etc..
A - Artistic expression.
R - Recording emotions such as journaling and poems.
S - Sobbing. Set aside time to cry with others and alone.

The holiday season should be enjoyable so take a moment and read this article!

We didn't write this article but we suggest you read this article by Jean Marie Bauhaus
The most wonderful time of the year can also be the most stressful time of the year. Both Thanksgiving and Christmas tend to bring with them increased demands on your time, energy, and money that also increase opportunities for conflict between you and your spouse.
 
While a certain amount of holiday stress is inevitable, this season doesn’t have to place undue strain on your marriage. Here are 10 ideas to help you and your partner prepare to face holiday stress.
 
Prevent Money Stress This Holiday Season
 
Read our Free Holiday Survival Guide.
 
Get the Guide
Remember why you’re celebrating.
A lot of holiday stress stems from getting caught up in the commercial aspects a...

Fair Fighting for Couples

Silence is a relationship killer...you need to FIGHT
Studies show that couples who fight have a stronger relationship and marriage. An old axiom says, "The dirtiest fighter is the one who refuses to fight at all." Someone who doesn't want to rock the boat, and skirts the issues to avoid conflict, ultimately damages the relationship. Fighting can actually get us through a conflict to a level of greater intimacy. So, Fight for your relationship...it's the best thing you can do.

Fight Fairly
Remember that you are trying to grow together. Often we learned unhealthy or unfair ways of fighting from parents or from our culture. 
These make winning at any cost the most important goal. If one spouse wins...both lose.

No Name Calling
Calling a spouse a name such as "stupid" simply backs that person away from a fight. Do...