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Looking ahead to holiday gatherings, events, and activities may fill you with anticipation and excitement, along with a bit of angst. You may feel that build-up of anxiety as the holidays approach. Nearly one in three Americans expects to be more stressed this holiday season than last year.
On top of the inevitable complexities and tensions of family relationships, you may feel the pressures of holiday shopping, gift, and travel expenses, the stress of hosting gatherings, or managing a packed calendar of holiday events. High and sometimes unrealistic expectations for the holidays can add to the stress. Loneliness and grief can also be heightened during the holidays.
Here are some coping strategies to help you bolster your mental health during the holidays.
- Practice Mindfulness and Meditation. Mindfulness practices can be particularly helpful when traveling or dealing with an unusual schedule.
- Preventing Burnout — It’s OK to Say No. It is essential to prioritize and simplify: prioritize what brings joy and emotional recharge (people or activities) and simplify when possible.
- Take a break from people who can turn a pleasant conversation into a family feud
- Get Some Fresh Air and Sunlight
- If You’re in Therapy, Stay in Therapy
- Grief and Loss -Honor and celebrate loved ones who have passed by getting together with other family members and friends and treasuring their life stories, especially stories highlighting important aspects of their life and personality.
- Financial stress. Holiday spending can easily leave people in debt, contributing to stress that may last well into the new year. Avoid overspending and focus on celebrating together and showing affection by being present, engaging, and supporting each other.
(Source: American Psychiatric Association)
Senior Parents
78% of our seniors have completed at least one application to college. This is wonderful! I would expect another 13% or so to apply based on last year. Students may still be unsure where to apply or what steps to take next. Counselors are always happy to help! Just send your student to see us to discuss post-high school options, including college, military, trades, and work.
Moving into the second semester, we will shift our senior focus from admissions to financing college. Click here for the counseling center’s slide deck on Understanding Different Sources of Financial Aid.
We strongly encourage parents to apply for federal student aid beginning Jan. 1 via FAFSA as a first step toward financing college. Some schools may also require the CSS Financial Aid Profile. Parents can only apply for the FAFSA online. FAFSA worksheets are available to print in PDF form to prepare. Step one is to apply for your financial aid ID (FSA ID) now at the website. Once you get your FSA ID, you can complete the application immediately. If you are not sure that the FAFSA will be fruitful, we recommend that you complete it anyway as an opportunity to trigger institutional aid offers that you may not otherwise receive. Colleges will start awarding money as soon as they receive your information from the federal processing center, so don’t delay. Some schools may require the CSS Financial Profile. Click here to see the list of schools on the profile.
Tips on Applying for Financial Aid
- If you are in doubt as to whether or not to apply for aid…apply.
- Students will need their social security number.
- Secure the necessary forms. Check which form is needed by each college.
- Always read the entire form carefully.
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Use the FAFSA Chatbot for help.
- Double-check that proper school code numbers are used. PROOFREAD!
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Investigate possible outside sources of aid.
- Read carefully any responses you get and respond.
- Call the college’s financial aid office for help with forms or problems.
- Develop a personal calendar.
- Meet all required deadlines.
- Do not get distracted by frauds that guarantee aid in return for an enrollment fee.
Junior Parents
Students should register now for the ACT and/or SAT tests that will be given in the second semester. Keep in mind the dates for AP testing and final exams. Remember that your child will take a free SAT at South in April as a part of the state tests. This score is official and may be used for college applications. Taking an April or June ACT is an excellent idea since students will have addressed the entire Algebra II math curriculum required for the test.
You can go directly to the testing companies’ websites (www.actstudent.org and www.collegeboard.org ) to register and obtain more information about the tests. We recommend registering early to secure a spot at your preferred testing center. Please pay attention to deadlines; there are financial penalties for late registration. When registering, you must use the Grosse Pointe South school code: 231-802.
Freshmen Parents
Counselors are working to meet individually with each of the freshmen so we can get to know each other better. If your freshman hasn’t met with his or her counselor yet, please encourage them to get in touch.
Wishing Health, Peace and Joy to you and your family this holiday season!
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