For many, December is a holiday time to celebrate; for others, the changing winter weather and upcoming New Year represent a time of transition. Regardless of how you mark the season, for many in our University of Michigan and Michigan Medicine communities, the upcoming weeks can be a time to cultivate moments of reflection, gratitude, and connection.
Enhancing Gratitude
The holiday season can be a time to reflect on and give thanks for all that is good in our lives. After a stressful year and many ups and downs in life, it may be hard, at times, to think of positive things. Practicing gratitude doesn’t mean you won’t experience sadness, anger, or fear. Rather, gratitude creates room for seeing the joys in life as well as the difficulties.
The ability to recognize the good things in your life is an important strategy for coping with stress, and it can help you shift perspective and feel more grounded. Good things can be small and fleeing, like moments that make you smile or provide brief time for rest or connection. Good things might also be significant parts of your life that provide comfort and stability, such as relationships, work, or health. Gratitude practices allow you to recognize the resources you have and notice the goodness around you, which can create a profound sense of purpose, connection, or reverence. Celebrate and be comforted by what brings you joy.
Practicing Compassion
In a season of giving, the most valuable gift can be that of time, attention, and care. Consider ways in which you can practice compassion and care for others. This may be as simple as a brief check-in with the people around you and offering time to connect or assist with a task. Expressing gratitude and practicing kindness toward others can result in feeling more connected and valued. Set an intention to give thanks and send an encouraging word to a colleague. The MHealthy gratitude email generator is a light-hearted yet meaningful way to share words of appreciation. Try using this well-being check-in guide to connect with your team and listen to what each person needs. Practice patience and gentleness in your interactions. For some, the winter can be a lonely time, so seek opportunities to include others and build community.
Caring for Yourself
In the natural world, winter is a time for slowing down and rest. For some, rest may mean slowing the pace of activities and tasks, or simply taking a few seconds to pause in the midst of the busyness of life. For others, rest may be found in the company of others, by creating connection, offering assistance, or sharing a laugh. A period of rest allows you time to reflect and prioritize, give care and attention to your essential needs, and focus your energy on the activities that are most meaningful. This winter, make it a priority to care for yourself by finding opportunities for rest. There are many resources available to support your well-being and help you manage stress.
While the holiday season reminds many of us of spending quality time with loved ones, for others this can be a painful reminder of loss and grief. For those experiencing sadness, anger, or loneliness, try to give yourself permission to treat yourself with compassion. It’s okay to feel sad and to express your feelings. Whether the grief is for a loved one or a patient, you may consider ways to honor their memory or to develop new traditions. It’s okay to take time for yourself. Ask for and accept help when needed. Seek additional support and comfort from family, friends, colleagues, or mental health professionals.
We're Here for You
If you are worried about yourself or someone else or if you would like additional support, there are resources available to you through every season of life. The Office of Counseling and Workplace Resilience is available to serve the mental and emotional health needs of Michigan Medicine faculty, staff, and house officers. For more information or to make an appointment, call 734-763-5409 or email [email protected]. The Faculty and Staff Counseling and Consultation Office is available for faculty and staff at Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint campuses. For more information or to make an appointment, call 734-936-8660 or email [email protected].