Skip to main content

Navigating Black Friday: A Therapist's Perspective


Navigating Black Friday: 

A Therapist's Perspective


Black Friday is just a few short days away.  Many of you have probably already planned out your early morning shopping route and which bargains you're going to chase.  

And while Black Friday can be fun and we can find lots of great deals, I encourage families to approach Black Friday mindfully to ensure that the pursuit of bargains doesn't overshadow the importance of family connection and well-being.  And that can be well-being as far as physical, mental, or financial health.
 
Communication is Key:
Open and honest communication is the foundations of any healthy relationships.   Before diving into the madness of Black Friday and getting caught up in the craziness of the crowds, have a family discussion about expectations,, budget consraints, and priorities.  By doing this ahead of time, you will preent conflicts, melt downs, or disappointments later while you're out.  Being out on Black Friday is already stressful, so don't add to it by a lack of communication.

Balancing Act:
While the allure of discounted items may be more than you can resist, it's important to have a balance between frenzied shopping and spending quality time with loved ones.  For some families, the holidays are the only times they really get to spend quality time with their family.  Consider designating specific times for shopping and setting aside other time for maintaining family traditions or simply spending time together.

Financial Wellness:
We all know that Black Friday deals can be tempting.  And I'm sure we'lve all experienced the seduction of advertisements, telling us what we ought to want this year.  But it's essential for us to stay within our means.  Know your limits ahead of time.  Make a list of those you need to buys gifts for and a few suggestions of what they might like, and if you see one of those items on sale, then by all means, get it.  But remember that overspending can lead to sress and tension within the family, or can lead to bigger problems later, if there isn't enough money to pay other mandatory bills, such as rent or utilities.  Create a realistic budget and stick to it, ensuring that financial decisions are made and understood collectively.

Quality Over Quantity:
Instead of focsuing solely on the quantity of items acquired, have your family prioritize meaningful and thoughtful gifts.  Discuss the value of experiences of material possessions, which will foser a sense of connection that lasts beyond the holiday season and provides a lifetime of memories.  

Self-Care Amidst the Chaos:
The hustle and bustle of Black Friday can be overwhelming.  Remind each ot her to prioritize self-care during this hectic holiday season.  Whether it's taking a break for a few moments, to catch your breath or grab a bite to eat during your Black Friday shopping spree or participatin in a calming activity together, self-care contributes to overall family well-being.  And no matter how many bargains you find, family well-being will be the gift that lasts forever.

Gratitude Practice:
We often forget that Black Friday is literally the day after we have spent time thinking about what we're grateful for, only the rush out and trample each other to save a few bucks.  If we can maintain the spirit of gratitude we created on Thanksgiving, and incorporate it into our Black Friday activities, then we can shift our perspective from consumerism to appreciation for  the gifts and blessings we already have and gratitude for those around us.

Flexibility & Adaptability:
Plans may not always got as expected, we may not get the things we went out to find, and the crowded shopping environment can be stressful, even to the most calm of people.  It's important to teach your family t he importance of flexibility and adaptability.  Talk about these things, before heading out to the crowds on Black Friday.  Don't set yourself up for disappointment.  Being able to go with the flow and adjust expectations can lead to a more harmonious holiday experience.

Black Friday can be fun and exciting, as long as you keep it in perspective.  But it's important to approach it with intention and mindfulness.  By maintaining open communication, setting boundaries, and prioritizing connection, you can navigate the holiday season with ease, focusing on well-being and family unity.

If you'd like to see any of my previous blog posts, please click here.

If you'd like more direct and personal help with improving communication or harmony in your relationships or if you struggle with anxiety or depression, please visit my website and schedule a free 15 minute consultation - www.brittaniedmillslmft.com.


I provide online couples and individual counseling throughout California, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Florida.


Website - www.brittaniedmilslmft.com

Email - bdmills@brittaniedmillslmft.com

Phone - (925) 335-6122



 

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Down & Dirty of DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)

This past week, I had the opportunity to attend a 2 hour DBT 101 training, free through my employer.  As a Child Protective Services social worker, I have seen the benefits of DBT with various clients over the years and knew it had some very valuable tools, but I had never taken the time to learn much about it.  So I thought this was my opportunity.  Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) centers around the fact that two opposing facts can be true at the same time.  For example - "I am tough, but I'm also gentle." or my favorite, "I'm doing the best I can, and I can do better."  DBT is an evidence based practice that stems from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and was originally created to treat Borderline Personality Disorder. I learned about the Bio-Social Theory around DBT.  Bio - there is a biological vulnerability to emotions and Social - an invalidating environment that communicates that what you're feeling, thinking or doing doesn't make sense. 
Post a Comment
Read more

Behind the Couch: Understanding Why Therapists Opt Out of Insurance

  Behind the Couch:  Understanding Why Therapists Opt Out of Insurance As a therapist, I've noticed an increase in the number of people who want/need to use their insurance benefits to receive therapy.  And, to be honest, when I first sought out a therapist for myself, I felt the exact same way.   I understand.  Therapy can be a very costly investment.  But that's how you have to think about it - as an investment...in yourself and your mental and emotional well-being. But working as a therapist, I've learned that there are some definite reasons that you may not want to use your inusrance benefits. Let me take a few moments to explain. Insurance Requires a Diagnosis In order to use your insurance for therapy benefits, the insurance company requires that the providing therapist give a diagnosis.  That means that once you enter into therapy using your health insurance benefits, there is a documented record of a mental health diagnosis on file for you.  And that record may stay
Post a Comment
Read more

Empty Nest

  Empty Nest - Now What? Your children are all grown and have moved out and are moving on with their own lives.  The constant influx of people in the house or at the dinner table has disappeared.  The hustle and bustle has died down.  And now you're left with just the two of you. Now it's time to rediscover yourselves as individuals, and maybe even more importantly, as a married couple.  The last several decades or more have been devoted to rearing your children and launching them into adulthood.  But now you find yourself with extra time and maybe extra energy on your hands. Leisure Time Maybe now that all the children's activities and obligations have gone, you find yourself with a lot of extra time.  Instead of dwelling on the absence of your children, focus on things you can now do with that time.  Take a nap.  Read a book.  Learn to cook or bake.  Sign up for some local classes or groups.  Or maybe you need something more practical.  You can do something productive lik
Post a Comment
Read more