It's in therapy where raw and potentially confusing experiences are metabolized so they become understandable and usable. The therapist is there, with you, supporting you to process what has happened in your life, whether it was when you were a child, an adolescent, or an adult. That means you’re viewing what happened in a different way and perhaps for the first time feeling feelings that up until now remained unfelt. 

Remember, self-care and the implementation of these strategies can contribute to a more mindful and fulfilling holiday experience. By cultivating resilience, setting realistic expectations, and prioritizing emotional well-being, individuals can not only weather the challenges of the season but also find moments of genuine joy and connection. May these coping strategies provide a source of support, encouraging a healthier and more balanced approach to the holiday season.

To stay sane during the holidays, I encourage my patients, clients, and students to continue the practices they have at other times of the year: breathwork, somatic work, yoga nidra, freewriting, getting outside, etc. It may feel tempting to let these practices fall by the wayside, but in times of stress, you need them more. Make sure you prioritize you because you are the most important relationship you’ll ever have.

My invitation to you: What if you considered the holidays rest days? What if instead of staying with family for five continuous days you took breaks in between? Or were with them only one to two hours each day? Otherwise, you might need a vacation from your vacation because your “vacation” was so stressful! It can be hard to feel rested if you’re anxious about everything that “needs” to get done during your supposed “downtime.”

he holidays are officially upon us. For some, this time of year is usually filled with travel and/or family gatherings. For others, they are unable or unwilling to see family and instead choose to spend the holidays with friends, chosen family, or possibly on a sojourn or solo retreat.

As we approach the holiday season and continue with many of the shelter-in-place restrictions that are being re-introduced or re-enforced due to the pandemic, I wanted to address topics that come up often in my work: food, eating, and body image.