#BRAVEminds: Thriving During the Holiday Season

Erica Leppert

The holiday season is supposed to be a magical time of the year. For many people – including our students – this can be a time for feeling lonely, stressed, sad, or overwhelmed. Here are a few tips to help.

Do something good for others
Participate in a volunteer activity and include your child. Research suggests that people who are more altruistic experience both physical and mental health benefits including decreased feelings of hopelessness, better physical health, and enhanced self-esteem.

Take care of yourself
Take care of yourself mentally and physically. The American Academy of Pediatrics shares that children sense the wellbeing of their parents and caregivers. When you cope with stress in a healthy way, your children learn to do the same.

Exercise
Exercise is a great stress buster and a great way to spend time together as a family. Take a walk or hike, play outdoors, throw a football, or turn on some music and have a dance party.

Sleep
Try to keep your child's typical sleep routine when you can. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 9-12 hours of sleep a night for school-age children (6-12) and 8-10 hours of sleep for teenagers (13-18).

Still feeling stressed?
Many people experience a worsening of symptoms during this time of year for a variety of reasons. If you are feeling sad, lonely, overwhelmed, or stressed, seek help:
    Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988
    Local Crisis Hotline: (513)281-CARE (2273)
    Cincinnati Children's Hospital Psychiatric Intake Response Center: (513) 636-4124

Photo caption: Indian Hill Director of Pupil Services Erica Leppert