Managing Emotional Well-being in the Holiday Season

*** This article was published in the December 2018 edition of Natural Awakenings**
The book of 2018 is closing, reminding people to pause, reflect and let go. The new year is
bringing a blank book, and the pen is in our hands. It is our chance to write a beautiful story for
ourselves, but what if the holiday season brings about too much stress to sit down and write?
Here are three tactics for managing emotional wellbeing during even the most stressful
midwinter days.

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Label Emotions
When happy holiday talk turns into heated debate, feelings could get hurt. While storming off in
anger seems like a tempting solution, doing so could destroy valuable relationships. Instead,
when your heartbeat is racing, try to identify up to five emotions you are experiencing. Labeling
emotions activates neurological pathways capable of promoting coherent thinking, aiding in
resolving conflicts strategically.

Looking Back From Beyond
Changing perspective can aid us in finding solutions to pervasive problems. When stuck in a
difficult position, imagine yourself in the year 2028. Consider what this wiser, more experienced
version of yourself in 2028 would advise you to do today. Pay heed to the message and
implement where appropriate.

Imagine Being a Horse
Horses instinctively maintain equilibrium; a state in which opposing forces or influences are
balanced, so impactful stressors are removed and calm is restored. When horses are stressed,
they run. When horses are tired, they sleep. When horses are lonely, they whinny. Seeking a
sense of equilibrium means to acknowledge voids, pains and pangs of regret and actively work to
address them before things get out of hand. Speak out when feelings get hurt. Sleep when eyes
get teary. Stand up when boundaries are crossed.

May the coming year bring us courage to follow our dreams by managing emotional well-being,
enhancing creativity and deepening relationships. May we live life to the fullest while enjoying
each day of our adventure, and may we all live a meaningful 2019.

Monique Ravesloot is the founder of EquineFlow, located in Piedmont, SC. For more
information, visit EquineFlow.com or call 864-906-7576.