Cuthbertson Middle Staff News
December, 2015
Here's the latest....
- Don't forget the upcoming staff party Friday, December 11th at the Sports Connection.
- Congratulations to Shannon Pearman who successfully passed the Health Coaching Exam. Shannon can now add "Certified Health Coach" to her resume! Congrats also to the Pearman family on the purchase of their new home in November.
- We would like to wish Tyler Vaughan the best as he begins a new job after the holidays. Tyler, you will be missed by staff AND students!
- Please keep Donna Dodson and her family in your thoughts as both of Donna's parents are struggling with serious health issues.
- A big thank you to all who brought in food for our annual food drive. Thank you, also, to Mr. Nesteruk for offering a jeans day as a little incentive!
- Many of you have stopped by the media center and picked up an item or two from the Frosty Cavs wall. Thank you so much for your help and participation. If you haven't picked up an item and still would like to, there are still several items left.
- Along those same lines, if you have purchased a coat for the students at Wingate Elementary or shoes for students at Marshville Elementary, thank you, thank you, thank you! We appreciate your generosity on all these important initiatives!
Coping With Holiday Stress
By Elizabeth Hudson, M.A., L.P.A. Licensed Psychological Associate
The holidays can be difficult for many of us as depression and anxiety run high during these times of the year. Even if you don't suffer from anxiety or depression, there are the day-to-day stressors of holiday gatherings, gift buying, gift exchanges, holiday traffic, seeing family and friends, events and crowds of people. Are you stressed yet?
Although the holidays CAN be stressful, there are some things you can do to minimize the stress or at least lessen the impact of stress. Above all, remember that the holiday season is what you make it. Here are some tips to get you through the holidays and still feel sane in the end:
#1 Stick to your routine - Try to stick to your normal diet and exercise routine. Getting out of this normal pattern can sometimes contribute to additional stress.
#2 Have realistic expectations - You don't have to be Martha Stewart and it's okay if your holiday wreath that looked so cute on pinterest did not turn out as spectacularly as you planned.
#3 Avoid the comparison trap - Social media can be a wonderful way to connect with friends and family over the holidays but don't use it as measurement of what you "should" be doing. Remember, people usually post only the good things that they want others to see.
#4 Ask for help - You can't do it all and if you try, you are setting yourself up. People typically want to help during the holiday season. Ask for help whether it's shopping, cooking, or just some company.
#5 Learn to say no - Allowing some downtime during the holiday season is much needed. Be selective in the events you choose to attend and be up front if you feel as though you are overextending yourself.
#6 Take care of yourself - The holidays are a great time for self-care -- Whether it's a massage to ease away the holiday tension, taking a walk in the middle of the day to enjoy nature or spending some quiet time reflecting on what's important.
#7 Stay connected - Reach out to friends and family who value you. You don't have to spend the holidays alone and this can be a great time to re-connect with people.
#8 Give back - Consider donating your time, money or gently used items to those who may be in need. It's a great feeling to give back and what better time to do it than during the holiday season.
#9 Stick to a budget - Before you go food or gift shopping, set a budget and stick to it. It will save you from experiencing more anxiety when you get that credit card statement next month.
#10 Seek professional help if you need it- If sadness or anxiety persists longer than is usual for you or past the holiday season, it may be helpful to reach out to a psychologist or counselor.
Have a peaceful holiday season!
Presbyterian Psychological Services Newsletter- December 2015
Employee Assistance Program
The Employee Assistance Program offers help for personal and /or professional concerns by providing free, confidential, short-term counseling. The EAP has a network of counselors who are conveniently located. They can help you resolve personal difficulties whether big or small, personal or work-related. Some examples of concerns the EAP addresses include: family conflict, relationship issues, grief and loss, stress, depression and anxiety, communication breakdowns, alcohol or drug use, and work related issues. Confidentiality is one of the most important features of the EAP. No one will know that you have used this resource unless you offer this information. Employees and their immediate family members can utilize up to 6 sessions per family, per year.
The McLaughlin Young Group
704-529-1428
800-633-3353
January Birthdays....
Ms. VanOostendorp- January 5
Mr. Murray- January 12
Ms. Lois- January 14
Ms. Scaduto- January 19
Ms. Starnes- January 27
Mr. Collins- January 27