45 | O akville B eaver | T hursday,D ecem ber 20,2018 insidehalton.com Custom made Kitchen and Bathroom Cabinetry | Closet Systems Entertainment Units | Basement Renovations | Full Renos and More! Create Your Dream Look ♦ 100% Canadian Made Cabinetry ♦Quality Craftsmanship ♦ 20+ Years Experience ♦ Visit our 6000 sqft Design Centre Units 2-3 333 Wyecroft Rd, Oakville T 905.844.3332 F 905.844.3334 www.aromakitchens.ca | info@aromakitchens.ca "FREE INSTALLATION" Offer applies to new purchases only on cabinetry over $5000 before taxes. Please visit showroom for further details. Some restrictions apply GROVE PALLISER.COM SECTIONAL EVENT DECEMBER 26TH TO JANUARY 15TH SAVE 20%OFF ALL PALLISERSECTIONALS 584 Kerr Street at Speers, Oakville, ON L6K 3C7 Phone: (905) 337-3653 www.destinationfurniture.ca 584 Kerr Street at Speers, Oakville 905-337-3653 www.destinationfurniture.ca BOXING WEEK HUGE DEALS All Floor Models ON SALE BURL INGTON / LONDON / NIAGARA FALLS / S IMCOE / mytopdrawer.com . . . GIvE ThE GIFT TO COMpLIMENT ThAT DREAM vACATION Two weeks ago, we talked about six tips to manage stress around the holidays. In the spirit of the traditional 12 days, here are another six tips for a total of 12 strategies tofor a total of 12 strategies tof care for your health and wellness: 1. Change traditions that are no longer mean- ingful. A friend whose hus- band passed away gave herself permission to change something that was no longer working. Cooking the turkey on Christmas Day was always her husband's role, and it was very emotionally diffi- cult for anyone in her fam- ily to take that on. So, they are now going to go to the movies as their family cel- ebration on Christmas since her husband was a movie buff. She is excited about new memories to come that still honour her husband. 2. Identify what the holidays mean for you, not others. We may feel pressure toWe may feel pressure toW keep up with what others do, but setting our own goals and priorities may help us feel more at ease. Decorating not your thing? Then pass on the lights. Love visiting with family? Make extra timefamily? Make extra timef for that.for that.f 3. Think about sup- ports and self-care early. Don't wait until you're overwhelmed and exhaus- ted before you slow down and do something for your- self. Know your signs of stress and make time for self-care when you first notice them. If you know you tend to struggle around the holidays, con- sider making an appoint- ment with a counsellor ahead of time to proactive- ly prepare some coping strategies. 4. Stick to a budget that works for you. Think about what is manageable for you and make it work. Post-holiday bills may increase anxiety and stress, so plan ahead and be creative in reduc- ing your expenses. 5. Shop online. Need gifts but don't like crowds, fighting for park- ing, or wandering aimless- ly for ideas? Click your way to shopping success from the comfort of yourfrom the comfort of yourf own home. 6. Keep it simple. Reducing the demands on you can really cut back on your stress. Consider making your gathering a potluck rather than taking on all the cooking your- self, or purchase some sweets if you can't seem to make the time to bake. Remember ... the best gift you can give yourself is a healthy, happy, and bal- anced you. Not just at the holidays, but all year round. Need to talk about how you can cope better? Visit our website at www.hal- ton.cmha.ca for details about our free walk-in counselling service, avail- able four days a week in Halton. Melanie McGregor is the communications and advancement specialist at the Canadian Mental Health Association Halton Region branch, which provides mental health/ addictions community support and education. Visit www.halton.cmha.ca for more information and follow @cmhahalton on Twitter. OPINION MANAGING YOUR HOLIDAY STRESS: PART 2 HERE'S 6 MORE WAYS TO CURB THAT ANXIETY, WRITES MCGREGOR MELANIE MCGREGOR Column SIGN UP FOR OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER AT INSIDEHALTON.COM