BY HILLARY VOLPER, LCSW

Holidays bring festive store displays, gift shopping, meal planning, and invitations, but they also stir complex emotions. Missing loved ones, family expectations, and the pressure to make everything perfect can make this season feel overwhelming. 

Remember, not everything will go as planned.  Focus on what goes right and savor moments that bring you joy. If you’re on your own, reach out to friends or join community activities by volunteering. It’s a great way to feel connected.

Managing stress is important during the holidays. Deep yoga breathing is one of the simplest tools for finding calm amid the bustle. It helps interrupt stress and brings clarity in tense moments. To try it, sit in a comfortable chair and breathe naturally for a few moments. Then exhale through your nose for a count of 4, hold your breath for 4, and exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of 8. Reduce the count to 6 if it is too hard.  Practice this for 5 to 20 minutes.

This breathing exercise is not a substitute for medical care if the stress is ongoing. But it is helpful in moments that you need to feel calm.  I hope you find it helpful as you navigate the holiday season.

Hillary Volper, LCSW, conducts individual psychotherapy both in-person and via telehealth. She has offices in New York City and in Larchmont and can be reached at 914-980-7980. Visit www.HillaryVolper.com for more information.