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Quick bits of therapeutic info and learning, ideas, concepts, and quotes.
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3: Keys
2: Concepts
1: Quick Article
“Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start."– Nido Qubein
3 Keys to Finding Peace Post-Holidays:
Prioritize Self-Care: The holiday season may have been full of fun and excitement—or for many of us, a lot more stress than usual. And it’s easy to burn out when you’re constantly on the go. Remember, self-care is essential, not optional. Whether it’s taking a few minutes to relax with a warm cup of tea, going for a walk, or simply breathing deeply, small acts of self-care can recharge your energy and help you stay centered as you begin to navigate the new year ahead. Please don’t feel guilty about putting yourself first.
Practice Mindfulness: With all the holiday happenings, it’s easy to feel scattered and overwhelmed. One of the best ways to combat that stress is by staying present and in the moment. Instead of worrying about what’s coming next, do what you can to engage fully in whatever you’re doing right now.
Set Better Boundaries: The holiday season can often feel like a race to meet everyone’s expectations—attend every event, give the perfect gift, be everywhere at once and have everything ready for the New Year. But here’s the thing: it’s okay to say no. Setting boundaries helps you protect your time and energy. By communicating your limits and saying ‘no’ when necessary, you’re ensuring that you don’t overextend yourself, which will leave you with more time and space to enjoy the things that truly matter.
A Couple of Concepts
Managing Expectations: We’ve all been there—feeling like the holidays have to be perfect, or stressing over creating the “ideal” experience and having the “perfect” resolutions in place for the new year ahead. The truth is, though, that perfection is not only a perspective, but also overrated. By letting go of unrealistic expectations, you’ll be able to focus on what really matters. This year, allow yourself to embrace imperfection, because that’s where the real magic happens.
Embracing Flexibility: No matter what time of the year, it’s important to remember that things won’t always go according to plan— and that’s perfectly okay. Whether it’s a last-minute change in your schedule, a delay in travel plans, or a meal that didn’t turn out exactly as you hoped, being flexible can help ease stress. When you let go of rigid expectations and stay open to unexpected changes, you’ll be better equipped to adapt without feeling overwhelmed.
A Quick Overview:
The holidays and the start of a new year can be such a mix of joy and stress. Between the shopping, the family gatherings, trying to create that picture-perfect holiday, and jumping into those New Year’s resolutions, it’s no wonder so many of us feel completely wiped out by the start of the New Year.
The American Psychological Association points out that holiday stress often stems from financial pressures, family dynamics, and the societal push to achieve perfection. Left unchecked, this stress can take a toll on both mental and physical health, and can lead to fatigue, anxiety, irritability, and physical symptoms like headaches and insomnia. Recognizing these triggers is the first step toward regaining a sense of balance during this hectic season (remember, with awareness change is indeed possible!)
And, yes, by prioritizing mindfulness and self-care, you can create a healthier, more grounded experience amidst the chaos.
Research from the University of California, Berkeley, shows that mindfulness can help lower cortisol, the body’s stress hormone, and improve emotional regulation. Practicing mindfulness—whether it’s taking a few deep breaths, savoring a quiet moment, or focusing on the present—can help reduce the impact of stress and improve your overall sense of well-being.
Yet, how often do many of us actually take the time to do this, especially this time of the year?
Additionally, setting boundaries is an effective—and very important— way to help protect your mental health. While setting boundaries is not always easy, it’s definitely a necessity. By clearly communicating your needs and learning to say no, you can ensure that you’re not overburdened by demands.
Remember that it’s okay to slow down, take breaks, and focus on what truly matters. By practicing mindfulness, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care, you can reduce stress and create more space for joy and connection. Here’s to a peaceful and joyful New Year ahead—on your terms.
From all of us at Better Wellness Naturally, we wish you warmth, happiness, and abundant well-being in the New Year ahead and beyond.
References:
American Psychological Association. (2020, December 8). Stress in America: Stress and the holiday season. https://www.apa.org/news/stress/2020/stress-holiday-season
Greater Good Science Center, University of California, Berkeley. (2015, April 28). Mindfulness meditation reduces stress by lowering cortisol levels. https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/mindfulness_meditation_reduces_stress
Healthline. (2022, October 10). How mindfulness can reduce stress and improve mental well-being. https://www.healthline.com/health/mindfulness
Mayo Clinic. (2018, December 5). Holiday stress: Tips for coping. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/expert-answers/holiday-stress/faq-20057961
We’re Going on Retreat in July!
Limited Spaces Available - We’d Love to Have You Join Us!
In light of what so many of us have endured here in Florida, the Storms of Change Retreat offers a sanctuary to reconnect with inner resilience and rediscover a deeper sense of safety and strength.
Designed for those ready to transform upheaval into growth, this immersive six-day in-retreat experience—to be held at the incredible Imiloa Institute—blends healing practices, expert guidance, and Costa Rica’s natural beauty to inspire meaningful transformation and renew your sense of hope.
Imiloa Institute, a private 5-star wellness and yoga retreat center, offers a safe, supportive, intimate, and thoughtfully designed space to encourage healing, reflection, connection, and lasting renewal.
For more info and to Retreat with us: www.BetterWellnessRetreats.com
by Laura Weber Garrison, PhD
New Editorial Review!:
"Damaged Rudders" is an essential guide for anyone seeking to navigate the challenging journey of trauma recovery. Laura Weber Garrison, PhD, masterfully combines her personal experiences with practical, evidence-based strategies, offering readers a transformative approach to healing. Through creativity, restorative yoga, artistic expression, and spiritual insights, Dr. Garrison provides a comprehensive, science-supported toolkit for building resilience and self-discovery.
This book is not just another self-help manual; it’s a deeply inspiring invitation to reclaim your life and rediscover your inner strength. Each page resonates with Dr. Garrison’s dedication to encouraging creative resilience and promoting lasting change. "Damaged Rudders" helps readers reconnect with their true selves and embrace a life filled with purpose and joy.
For anyone ready to embark on a journey of deep healing and transformation, "Damaged Rudders" is an indispensable read.”
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