Ep.25: Holiday Survival Guide

Insights from the Couch - Mental Health at Midlife

The holiday season is here, and with it comes joy, challenges, and plenty of stress. In this special episode we tackle the big issues that make the holidays overwhelming—from managing expectations and setting boundaries to dealing with financial stress and navigating family dynamics. We share our candid personal stories and practical strategies to help you stay grounded, embrace self-care, and survive (or even thrive!) this holiday season.

Episode Highlights:
[2:45] – Stressful moments as parents during the holidays: when the magic of Christmas becomes all work.
[4:12] – Colette shares her story of a solo Christmas and the importance of reframing loneliness.
[7:08] – Why opting out of traditional holiday expectations can be liberating.
[9:16] – Handling family dynamics and setting boundaries for visits.
[14:47] – Letting go of people-pleasing and prioritizing your own well-being.
[20:47] – Parenting through the holidays: supporting grown kids without guilt or pressure.
[24:13] – Navigating tricky family conversations around politics and other hot-button issues.
[28:03] – How to balance indulgence with self-care during the holiday season.

Resources:

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