We are currently steering through a life filled with unyielding demands on our resources, unattainable expectations, a rapid work environment, and changes occurring at such a speed that it’s a challenge to keep pace. Our control over external events feels minimal, and factors like power outages and the rising cost of living add to a feeling of being stretched thin and swamped. As the end of this year filled with challenges approaches, the upcoming holidays and Festive Season seem like a welcome relief, a few weeks to relax and breathe to look forward to. Or not.
Alas, although the Festive Season is for most of us synonymous with joy, celebration, and quality time with loved ones, many of us experience additional stress and anxiety during this time. There is the frantic energy in the shopping centres to navigate when it comes to Festive Season shopping, as well as the congestion on the roads as people make their way to their holiday destination and beaches. As families gather for Christmas celebrations, it might hold anticipated stress around food preparations as well as complex relationships that could ignite old conflicts. For those living alone, it could be a very lonely time. Seasonal depression is therefore quite common during this period.
The rise in mental health problems is understandable as our ability to handle stress dwindles, leading to increased cases of anxiety, depression, and persistent tiredness. Many of us are left pondering, “How can I maintain my sanity in this chaotic existence? And how am I going to survive the Festive Season?” This is where the benefits of counselling become evident.
My counselling approach is comprehensive and centered on wellness. Together with my clients, I delve into the various stressors contributing to their feelings of being overwhelmed. We examine how they currently handle stress and discover methods to enhance their well-being and overall health. I leverage the client’s inherent abilities and support systems, including their social circle and creative talents, to aid in managing stress and anxiety. We also consider lifestyle aspects like physical activity and diet, alongside spiritual practices such as meditation, which serve as vital tools for managing stress responses and balancing emotions. Moreover, we focus on the client’s perception of their life circumstances, challenging any negative thought patterns that escalate anxiety and feelings of being overwhelmed.
Counselling, therefore, is a potent tool for managing our stress and life challenges in a way that allows us to rediscover joy and regain a comprehensive sense of well-being. It is indeed feasible to remain grounded and sane in this tumultuous world, and to turn a potential stressful Festive Season into a joyful blessing.
To book for counselling, contact me at 083 764 5978 or johann@johannvangreunen.co.za. My fees are R800 p/h.