Allison Aubrey

Absolutely.

I think the holidays can bring kind of a perfect storm of triggers.

You know, returning to a childhood setting can stir up or kind of activate old emotional patterns.

And there's also the combination of high expectations, disrupted routines, alcohol, exhaustion, travel, and for some people, unresolved conflicts that can surface.

So it can create a rather emotionally charged atmosphere.

Sure.

Well, one thing I learned when I led NPR's Stress Less Challenge last year is how helpful it can be to walk away, to take a short break if you're in an intense emotional situation.

So if you find the temperature rising, try to quietly step away and try something called the 3-3-3 rule for anxiety.

It's recommended by lots of counselors and therapists.

So let me walk you through it really quickly.

You start by simply noticing and naming three things you see, you know, at the tree, the skies, your hands.

Then three things you hear or feel, the wind, the ground, like a bird chirp or, you know, even your own breath.

And then gently move three parts of your body.

So tap your toes or bend your neck or wiggle a finger.

Now, placing your attention on all these external things can pull you away from your worries to the immediacy of what's around you.

And as you do this, as you kind of touch what's real, it can have a calming effect and can help kind of break that spiral of anxious thoughts.

Sure.

Now, first of all, I do not want to be Scrooge here.

I mean, there is nothing wrong with enjoying holiday treats.

But if you know you have a tendency to overdo it with food or drink or staying out too late...