Quick Check-In
Holiday Edition
In this series, The Couch Next Door brings episodes designed to be short mental health check-ins focusing on particular areas of mental health that might pop up during the holidays. These episodes are designed to give you points to ponder. Here’s what I’m asking of you–as you listen, think about how you are doing well in this area, how you could improve, and who you think might also need encouragement in that area and pay it forward.
Episodes
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1
Points to Ponder as you listen:
Who will you interact with this holiday that might fall under this description of an Emotionally Immature Person (EIP)?
What expectations can you reframe to help protect yourself in the relationship?
What plans can you make going into this interaction with an EIP based on what you hear in this episode?
How can you practice emotional intimacy in other, safe relationships?
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2
Points to Ponder as you listen: What feeling comes up for you when you set boundaries or even when you think about setting boundaries?
What are unspoken boundaries you can set?
What are spoken ones you can plan for during your holiday gatherings?
If boundaries are violated does a decision about a relationship need to be made?
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3
Points to Ponder as you listen:
What's most importnat to you during the holidays?
What causes you stress?
Do you judge how you feel during the holidays?
What are your expectations? Have you communicated these?
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4
Points to Ponder as you listen:
When can you schedule a calendar meeting with your partner?
What topics need to be included (budget, division of labor, connection time)?
Are there holiday chores you can reframe as events or fun activities in order to intentionally connect with one another?
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5
Points to Ponder as you listen:
What traditions do you want to establish as you start a family?
What is most important to your kids' memories of the holidays?
How do you want your kids to remember you around the holidays?
How can you let your kids weigh in on holiday traditions?
What is your ultimate goal as a parent around the holidays?
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6
Points to Ponder as you listen:
Has there been a change in the family that would require a shift in traditions?
How can flexibility occur to support these changes?
How can you communicate with the family well to honor these changes?
What is the "why" for your holiday needs?
What are the boundaries to respect?
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7
Points to Ponder as you listen:
What are safe topics to talk about?
What are your boundaries regarding talking topics?
How can you communicate your boundaries preventatively?
How can you connect with someone of different views (human to human)?
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8
Points to Ponder as you listen:
How can you be gentle with yourself during this season?
How can you honor your loved one during this season?
How can you create new memories or traditions to help cope with a loss of a season?
How can you be less judgmental with your ideas of grief?