Law Enforcement & Effects of the Holiday Season
The holiday season means an increase in police presence on the streets and increased time away from their loved ones. Additionally, the holiday season brings out many emotions and feelings for those who either work an intensive schedule or face hardships around this time of year. Not only do we want our members to survive this holiday season, but we also want you to thrive!
We’ve compiled a list of 6 helpful tips to help our members and other law enforcement officers handle the holiday season for years to come.
How to Handle Stress
Eliminate isolation
Spend time with family and friends as much as your schedule permits. Find individuals who fill you with joy and purpose. This will help take your mind off of negativities and eliminate isolation that can make your situation worse.
Create healthy boundaries to eliminate stressors and triggers
Boundaries are described as “something that indicates or fixes a limit or extent.” When boundaries are crossed, emotions, like anger, sadness, etc. can take over and completely trigger negative emotions and thoughts. Set healthy boundaries and follow through with family, friends, co-workers, strangers, and any other person you encounter.
Complete tasks
It’s easy to start something, stop, then leave it completely unfinished, especially at this time of year. Do not accept this. Take this time to prepare your current and upcoming tasks for completion before the new year starts.
“Remember that “policing” is a unique profession that is meant for only the most resilient of people. You have been chosen for law enforcement because you care about others. Celebrate your profession. Being exposed to trauma impacts you, but it doesn’t mean that you are diminished because of it.”
Ask for help, and be a help to others
The holidays are about giving to others, but that does not eliminate your need for help. Do not be ashamed to ask for help. And if you can be a help to someone else, please do so.
Take control of your situation
Do not let your situation or the holiday season define who you are or your character. Take control of the situation by trying something new to solve it, reaching out for help, or not dwelling on the negatives.
Gratitude
Lastly, when you begin to feel down, think about all of the great moments in your life and begin to appreciate them. We’re only given one life – let’s make the best of it by focusing on the positives, not the negatives. A great way to do this start conversations with those around you about what you’re grateful for this year.
HAPPY HOLIDAYs
While these solutions will not completely erase the stress of the holiday season, we’re hopeful you will find one or a handful of them helpful to you in this season. If you need to talk to someone, please contact your Business Agent or our office, and we will point you in the direction of the right resource for you.
Thank you all for your membership, and have a wonderful holiday season!
Related Post: Special Thank You to Our POAM Members
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