Boundaries are a way to do what is acceptable and satisfying for you and your relationships as opposed to only thinking of others. Setting boundaries over the holidays can help you enjoy your time, energy and relationships in a new and more authentic way.

The struggle and numbness that can come with the new quiet in your home and having more time on your hands than you know what to do with can sometimes be overwhelming. Especially if it was unexpected.

So how do you know if your relationship has come to the end? Or if you continue to commit to it? There is no simple way of figuring this out – there is no handbook or miracle question you can ask yourself or your partner. But there are cues and signs of a healthy versus unhealthy relationship.

There are many reasons why parents find balancing out the summer schedule and responsibilities stressful, such as finances, not having “fun” options in the community or not being able to afford to travel because of the increase in gas prices. Perhaps you are a single parent and have other problems to face. These are all valid challenges and you may also have your own personal battles such as managing anxiety or depression, a recent break up/separation, and just not having the motivation to occupy your children for the entire summer.

Communication can strain a relationship and it is so important to understand what you and your partner need when it comes to communicating with one another. I truly believe that communication can either make or break a relationship. Poor communication between you and your partner can cause stress and emotional turmoil. Which is why many couples seek counselling when communication styles conflict, cause anxiety and one or both partners feel like they are walking on eggshells around each other. Does this sound like you? Do you want to improve how you communicate with your partner?

Are you someone that carries feelings of sadness, rage or even pain when you think about your relationship with your dad? Are you looking for a better relationship with your dad?

All relationships have flaws and many people do not have the ideal relationship with their father. There are many factors that can strain the relationship between father and son/daughter such as divorce, absence, rejection and disappointment just to name a few. Then there is the perfect father, the father everyone looks up to, the over-involved father, the father you could never impress or maybe you never felt good enough.

Why does this matter? Because the first important man in your life and the impact they had on you will follow you and play a huge part in your life.

Our finances can be something that sets off a variety of emotions, but one that might surprise you is that of depression. When you are struggling financially it can become a piece of your identity. And then you add on the fact that we don’t normally go around telling people that we’re struggling financially, and you have a setting for allowing sadness, stress and anxiety about your finances to lead you into depression.

There are so many things that have an impact on these feelings of “joy and happiness” such as: the search for that perfect gift; cooking/baking for friends and family; dealing with the your own family dynamics AND the in-laws; missing those special people who have moved away or have passed before us; and, don’t forget the never-ending stress of how much money spent on gifts is enough, and how much is too much? If that list wasn’t long enough, this is Christmas number two coping with the effects of COVID-19! Here are six ways to help you cope with holiday stress.