Having just put away our Thanksgiving leftovers, we are now turning our attention toward the remaining holiday season, which for many, could be a great source of end-of-the-year stress.
Join Lillian Cockrill, a Coast Guard employee assistance program coordinator, and Sarah Steward, a social health scientist at HJF working in support of the Consortium for Health and Military Performance (CHAMP) at the Uniformed Services University, for a conversation on how to best manage holiday stress. The discussion happens today from 2:30-4 pm EST on CVR Teams.
“Addressing stress, especially amidst the holidays and COVID-19, is essential for Coast Guard members because of the effect it can have on their ability to perform their job duties,” said Cockrill.
The pair will discuss stress mitigation strategies for challenges that may be commonly experienced by Coast Guard members and their families during this season.
Cockrill, together with Steward, who is also a social fitness subject-matter-expert with the Human Performance Resources by CHAMP initiative, will specifically discuss strategies for:
- Tackling tough family dynamics from childhood, with in-laws, and extended family;
- Supporting children in blended or separated families;
- Answering tough or personal questions about your Service experience;
- Addressing grief and loss during the holidays;
- Coping with disappointment around traditions being disrupted due to COVID-19;
- Managing financial strain, gift-giving, and end-of-year budgeting.
“When you are prepared with strategies to manage stress, you and your loved ones will come out stronger in the end,” said Cockrill. She is also an ombudsman coordinator for the District 5 region.
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