'Tis the Season for Holiday Self-Care

It’s the holiday season and for most people, it’s considered the most wonderful time of the year. However, for others, especially veterans or military service members dealing with depression, or even military families missing a loved one who is deployed, this time of the year may not be so festive for everyone.

Holiday stress and anxiety are very real, and if you suffer from depression, then overly committing to social events, being around crowds and living up to gift- giving traditions can become overwhelming very quickly. Self-care can also be extremely difficult to focus on this time of year, but caring for yourself is even more important than ever.

To help you get through the holidays, the Cohen Clinic at Easterseals wants to share some simple tips on how to incorporate self-care into your holiday activities. First, don’t give up your exercise regimen. We know that a busy holiday does not leave room for much else, but sticking to a consistent exercise routine, even for 20-minutes a day, can help relieve stress. Second, it’s alright to decline invitations. If participating in something has the potential to drain you, then politely decline and arrange time to meet in the new year. Finally, practice gratitude. Studies show that there are a lot of mental and physical benefits to feeling grateful for what you have. Gratitude can improve your relationships, help you sleep, allow you be more present, ease depression and give you more lasting happiness.

We know the holidays can be a tough time for some of our clients, but it does not always have to be. It’s OK to start new traditions and allow this time of year to be about reflection, giving to yourself and celebrating what you have.

For the month of December, we’d like to give you the gift of self-care and invite you to join some low-stress events that are FREE and FUN at our clinic, including our Holiday Makeup Workshop , Holiday Ornament Workshop , and our next Puppy Office Hours , which is an opportunity to relax and play with Florence, a service dog in training with the Warrior Canine Connection.

We wish you a relaxing holiday and we are here for you, whenever you need us.

In the News

Our Clinic Director, Dr. Tracy Neal-Walden, was interviewed on the Daily Caller, Everyday Health and CBS News Radio Eye on Veterans over the last month. Also, Outreach Manager Mallary Lass was highlighted in a video from United Way’s Project Homeless Connect Expo. Check out the news clips below!

Tracy shares how the Cohen Clinic at Easterseals is expanding and how we are addressing our clients’ barriers to care. Click on image to read full article.

Tracy highlights how we are helping veterans who are dealing with substance abuse that is resulting from depression, anxiety and PTSD. Click on image to read full article.

Tracy talks about programs that Easterseals and the Cohen Clinic offer, which help veterans and military families in a holistic way. Click on image to listen to full interview starting at 26:11.

United Way NCA Celebrates Project Homeless Connect 2019!

Mallary shares what services are available for homeless veterans and their families from the Cohen Clinic at Easterseals. Click on image to view interview starting at 2:40.

Upcoming Events

We invite you to join us at our upcoming workshops and art classes for veterans, military families and caregivers! The Cohen Clinic offers free childcare, free parking and is metro accessible.

Holiday Makeup Workshop

Date: Friday, December 13, 2019

Time: 11:30am-12:30pm