Holiday Wellness

Holiday Wellness

Caring for Your Whole Self This Season

The holiday season can bring joy and stress.  It may also bring many mixed emotions. Busy schedules, financial stress, family expectations, grief, and concerns related to substance use may be heightened at this time for some. You do not need to manage all of this on your own. 

When stress builds in one area, it can affect sleep, energy, mood, and relationships. It is very common during the holiday season to notice changes in how you feel, think, and relate to others. You may also notice that you feel more on edge, more tired, or less patient than usual. You may wonder why you feel sad or worried when others seem to feel joyful. There is nothing wrong with you if this is your experience. It simply means that your mind and body are responding to a complex time of year.

It can be helpful to name what you are feeling, give yourself permission to slow down, and choose a few supportive steps. The resources on this page are here to help with that process. You can watch them at any time and at your own pace. Each video offers guidance, support, and practical ideas to help you feel more grounded and more prepared during this time of year.

As always, we are here to help.  Please reach out confidentially to talk with a Counselor today.

Call EAP at (716) 681 4300

How This Information Can Support You

You are welcome to watch these videos in any order. Some people begin with the topic that feels most important in the moment. Others choose one video each week to create steady moments of support.

  • Print out the Holiday Tips Sheet, review and keep handy for reference
  • Watch on your own or with someone you trust
  • Pause when you need a break and return whenever you are ready
  • Write down ideas you want to try or questions you may want to bring to an EAP counselor

If a video brings up strong feelings or helps you recognize that you would benefit from a personal conversation, that is completely normal. Reaching out for confidential support is a positive and healthy step.

Call EAP at (716) 681 4300

Holiday Tips

 

 

 

 

Holiday Wellbeing Videos You Can Watch Anytime

Boost Energy and Reduce Fatigue During the Holidays

Learn simple ways to protect your energy during a busy season. Explore small daily habits that help you feel less drained and more able to enjoy meaningful moments.

 
Holiday Budget Guidance with Parachute Credit Counseling

Financial stress can create emotional strain. This video offers practical ideas for planning spending, managing debt, and lowering financial pressure without the need for a perfect budget.

Substance Use and the Holiday Season

The holidays can create increased pressure around alcohol and other substances. This session helps you understand what feels healthy for you, recognize warning signs, and support yourself or someone you care about.

Grief and Loss During the Holidays

The holiday season may feel especially difficult when you are grieving a person, a relationship, or an important life change. This conversation offers gentle support and meaningful ways to honor both loss and connection.

Preparing for the Holiday Season

This video supports you in planning ahead, setting priorities, and focusing on what matters most. It encourages a calmer approach to the holidays rather than a sense that you must do everything.

Working Through Conflict During the Holiday Season

Family gatherings and workplace events may bring up stress or old communication patterns. This video offers skills that help you stay grounded, respond with care, and manage disagreements with more confidence.

Support Is Available

Watching a video can be a helpful beginning. If you want more personal support, the Child and Family Services Employee Assistance Program is here to assist you.

Our counselors can help with:

  • Stress related to the holiday season
  • Grief and emotional pain
  • Concerns related to finances or substance use
  • Family or workplace relationships
  • Planning next steps that feel realistic and supportive

EAP services are confidential and there is no cost to employees or to eligible household members.
Call EAP at (716) 681 4300

Core Member Services

  • Counseling Sessions

    EAP provides confidential counseling to members and their household members to assist in solving personal, family and work-related problems. Counseling services include assessments, short-term counseling and community referrals. Counseling is available to anyone who lives with the covered employee.

  • Legal Consultation

    EAP will connect members with a local attorney who can answer basic legal questions and provide free confidential consultation. If it is necessary for a member to retain legal counsel, our service will assist with making a referral.

  • Financial Consultation

    Meet with a financial counselor to review budgeting advice, suggestions for positive spending habits, creditor repayment plans, student loan consolidation, and much more. Members and counselors will work as a team to determine the best plan to achieve your financial goals.

  • CHILDCARE CONSULTATION

    We maintains a relationship with the Child Care Resource Network to provide child care referrals and support to members and their household. The CCRN monitors the registration of licenses for providers and advocates for high quality, accessible care. They can also provide information on parenting education and other family services.

  • Nutrition Services

    A Registered Dietician or Holistic Health Coach can provide members with professional consultation regarding nutrition concerns including diet, weight management, allergies and food sensitivities as well as meal planning.

  • ELDERCARE CONSULTATION

    We will connect employees with reliable services and resources for both the senior needing support and the caregiver.  Information will be provided about: caregiver resources, home care options, classes for those helping older relatives or friends, navigating Medicaid/Medicare/Social Security and other benefits.

  • MEDIATION AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION

    When people disagree with one another, there are options besides fighting or walking away. Mediation and conflict resolution can help. We partner with Child & Family Services Center for Resolution and Justice to provide mediation.  In more than 75% of the cases mediated, parties reach agreement, avoiding stress and costly legal expenses. Workplace mediation and conflict resolution can serve as a proactive approach to preventing litigation and promoting a healthier work environment.

  • REFERRAL NETWORK

    If it is determined that a member will need further or more specialized services, the EAP counselor will make arrangements for referral and follow-up service to the most appropriate level of care in the community. We have a well developed network of affiliates with whom we work regularly to provide seamless care to our clients.