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Browsing Tag

christmas

Why Christmas hits your childhood wounds harder than at any other time of year

  Every year around December, people find themselves wondering… “Why do I feel so emotional?” “Why am I anxious, overwhelmed or irritated?” “Why does Christmas feel… heavy?” And if you’re someone who grew up with chaos, criticism, emotional inconsistency or any version of “walking on eggshells,” then Christmas isn’t just a holiday season… 🎄 It’s a somatic time machine. This is because Christmas activates the same parts of the brain as emotional memories from childhood. Christmas isn’t just a one-off…

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The real reason Christmas is always full of drama in toxic relationships

  When I moved to Australia in October 2010, I pretty quickly met a guy who I started a whirlwind relationship with and what ensued was an on/off relationship for the next eight years. 😳  There was SO much drama. All. The. Time. 🦙  The weeks leading up to his birthday? He’d sulk for most of it. 🙄 Christmas was the week after his birthday – and that was no better.  I love Christmas in Australia – time at the…

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Survive holiday conflict without losing your shit 💩

  The Christmas holidays are already in full swing with end of year work parties galore. 🎄  The time of year when everyone pretends they’re having magical, heart-warming moments when really all they want to do is curl up in bed and avoid everyone, and half the population is actually one passive-aggressive comment away from flipping a table and throat punching that relative they can’t stand. 🤜  If the build up to Christmas and the ensuing family gatherings or relationship…

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10 Tips to protect yourself from silly season stress

  Hey legend,   Today as I write this, we are 20 days away from Christmas day.🎄    Christmas can be such a triggering time of year for many people – those who are estranged from their families, those remembering loved ones who’ve passed away, those unable to see their kids, the homeless, the addicted, the incarcerated… and many more.   Loneliness and financial poverty can increase stress and exacerbate mental health issues. 🥺   The Christmas period can also…

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Show kindness this Christmas and remember it’s not “merry” for everyone

  The festive season is well and truly in full swing with Christmas parties and messages galore.While most people are wishing others a “merry” or “happy” Christmas, it’s also important to remember those who aren’t feeling so merry or happy.Christmas is a time of year where a lot of people I see in the mental health and justice space are suffering.They’re missing loved ones who’ve passed, they’re missing kids they are unable to see, and some are without families and living on…

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Show kindness this Christmas and remember it’s not “merry” for everyone

The festive season is well and truly in full swing with Christmas parties and messages galore. While most people are wishing others a “merry” or “happy” Christmas, it’s also important to remember those who aren’t feeling so merry or happy. Christmas is a time of year where a lot of people I see in the mental health and justice space are suffering. They’re missing loved ones who’ve passed, they’re missing kids they are unable to see, and some are without…

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