Stress and change are inevitable in our busy lives, but how we manage the stressors in our lives is the secret to improving and maintaining our overall well being.

The holidays can be wonderful as well as exhausting. Entertaining family, cooking, juggling time off work with time with children or aging parents are some of the challenges we face during this holiday season. 

How do you recharge after feeling exhausted? With the days getting shorter and darker it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and isolated. January is the perfect time to come together, learn new skills and connect with others to recharge your battery. Prioritizing your well-being in the New Year can build strength and bring energy to what might feel like a low battery.

A low battery requires action and attention. Knowing your triggers and the steps to take when challenges arise can help bring clarity and relief. Emotional health “check ins” are just as essential as oil changes for our cars. Regular tune-ups help things to run more smoothly.   

Tuning in to your stress involves looking under the hood and understanding your individual communication style and the styles of others around you. Taking time to address small stressors routinely will prevent major build-ups and help to identify and anticipate hazardous conditions.      

Just like scheduling maintenance for your car, plan to make some changes in addressing the stress in your life. Plan to take action. One option is to attend the January three-part workshop series through Jewish Family Services devoted to dealing with stress and managing change. Taking action by learning to address stressors can help bring a fresh perspective to a situation as well as connect you to others who are also committed to self improvement.  

Learning together is an excellent way to live life to its fullest. What we learn becomes a part of who we are. Here’s to a 2017 filled with learning and feeling recharged.  

Debra Orbuch Grayson M.S., LMFT will be facilitating a workshop entitled, “Life in the Fast Lane: Managing Change and Stress” through Jewish Family Services on three consecutive Tuesdays: Jan. 10, Jan. 17 and Jan. 24. For registration information contact Susie Hurst at 913-327-8259 or .