Tessitura LGBTQIA+ Affinity Group: Take time for Self-Care During the Holidays

Earlier this month the Tessitura LGBTQIA+ Affinity group met for a panel discussion to talk about ways in which our community can survive the holiday season.  Thank you to the panelists who presented:  Jordan Edwards, Carlos Garcia Leon, and Ragan Rhodes.  And to Tiffin Feltner who suggested the topic.

 For those of you who could not attend the event, we wanted to share some Self-care tips to navigate the holidays and beyond:

• Allow yourself to feel whatever it is you are feeling.
  1. Suppressing your emotions only leads to more stress.
  2. To heal, we should acknowledge our emotions and feelings.
• Use social media to find a community but learn to shut it off when needed.
  1. There are some wonderful ways in which to connect online or through social networks. Take advantage of them to find your community.
  2. Learn to turn off social media when you find yourself “doomscrolling”.
• Find help from a professional
  1. Help is out there. Seek out therapists who understand and work with the LGBTQIA+ community.
• Use community and affirmations as medicine.
  1. Find a community or group that supports and lifts you up. It can be a gay-friendly church, a support group, affinity group or ERGs.
  2. Practice self-compassion by telling yourself: “I am Beautiful”
• Heal by helping others heal
  1. Take time to share your experiences with others in the community. And take time to be a supportive listener.

During this holiday season, I hope you experience moments of lightness, a sense of community, and healing.  Most of all, I wish you peace.

Clayton Dickson - Co-Chair LGBTQIA+ Affinity Group

Source:

https://includedhealth.com/blog/lgbtq/5-ways-lgbtq-people-can-practice-self-care/