Client Portal

Pre-Holiday Mental Health Tips

by | Oct 5, 2023

The holidays often challenge our ability to manage time, stress, and interpersonal relationships. Below are a few tips to get through it all in a mentally healthy way:

Impacts of Reduced Daylight 

The fall/winter seasons are characterized by reductions in daylight. While the days feel shorter our maneuvering our day-to-day lives continue giving the illusion of limited time. Physiologically, shorter days also impact our circadian rhythms which regulate important functions such as mood or sleep/ wake cycles. Some studies suggest using light therapy as an effective solution though there have been some side effects reported so it is always important to consult with your doctor first. 

Know Your Stressors and Have a Plan to Manage Them 

There are various stressors that can occur during the holidays. For some there often are concerns of financial stress as many travel to be with family, may host family, or engage in gift-giving practices. For many, difficult family dynamics may also add to stress as many gather. Regardless of what your stressor may be, it is important to know your triggers and have a self-care plan. This plan should include:

  • Knowing your boundaries. Predetermining a budget to avoid overspending or learning to say no to reduce the chances of you overbooking or overcommitting to fall/winter activities. 
  • Engaging in healthy coping mechanisms such as exercise, engaging in mindfulness practices, or creating a bedtime routine to aid in restful sleep. 
  • Practicing assertive communication to honor how you feel or what your expectations are 
  • Seek support if you are triggered by the holidays, especially for those who may have had a recent loss, difficult family dynamics, or exacerbated mental health concerns, it is important to build a support system or reach out to a mental health professional for support.  
Author Photo
About Mariah | View Profile

Mariah Dookie is a licensed professional counselor and trauma-informed practitioner. She specializes in anxiety, stress management, body image issues, and perfectionism in adults.

We offer in-person and virtual services – contact us today to learn more!

Wellness Blog | #learnwithhwp

Perfectionism and Imposter Syndrome: The Vicious Cycle and How to Break Free

Perfectionism and Imposter Syndrome: The Vicious Cycle and How to Break Free

Perfectionism and imposter syndrome feed into each other, causing stress and keeping you from the career satisfaction you deserve. There are many ways to cope with perfectionism and to thrive

Author Photo
About Gleyce | View Profile

Gleyce Almeida-Farrell is a psychotherapist and the founder of Holistic Wellness Practice in Alpharetta, GA. She specializes in helping adults manage stress and overcome symptoms of anxiety utilizing a holistic and integrative approach to mental wellness.

We offer in-person and virtual services – contact us today to learn more!

Yoga Therapy and Anxiety

Yoga Therapy and Anxiety

Anxiety is a common emotional response. Working with a skilled yoga therapist can help you navigate the challenges of cultivating skills and techniques to manage anxiety for your unique experience.

Author Photo
About Rebecca | View Profile

Rebecca Trussell is a C-IAYT clinical yoga therapist. She specializes in using somatic therapies and yoga practices to help clients regulate their nervous system, reduce anxiety and depression, and unwind tension and pain in the body resulting from trauma and/or patterns of how we live and move through the world.

We offer in-person and virtual services – contact us today to learn more!

What is Yoga Therapy? And can it support my healing journey?

What is Yoga Therapy? And can it support my healing journey?

Perhaps you’ve attended a yoga class at a yoga studio or gym, or even seen classes taking place in the park on a nice day. While yoga therapy can involve

Author Photo
About Rebecca | View Profile

Rebecca Trussell is a C-IAYT clinical yoga therapist. She specializes in using somatic therapies and yoga practices to help clients regulate their nervous system, reduce anxiety and depression, and unwind tension and pain in the body resulting from trauma and/or patterns of how we live and move through the world.

We offer in-person and virtual services – contact us today to learn more!

    Tweet
    Share
    Share
    Pin