It’s that time of year where the sun goes down earlier, the days are darker, and we often feel pressured to be festive, when we may actually feel the exact opposite. Some of us try to squeeze a myriad of social engagements around Chanukah, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve, while others anxiously avoid or dread the holidays altogether. Learn how to manage expectations of the season through an understanding of the powerful impact of stress on the nervous system and health, with positive psychology tips that will help us all care for ourselves and those we love during the holidays. Stress doesn’t always bring out the best in us, so remembering to practice self-compassion means recognizing the signs and building in time to take extra care of ourselves—eating well, exercising, getting enough sleep, and sometimes just doing less. Discover how to adopt a growth mindset and be open to experiencing the holidays in a new way, to infuse this time of year with meaning, humor, and love. By prioritizing experiences over stuff, we just might feel festive about the holidays after all.
Sherry Kelly, PhD
Sherry Skyler Kelly, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist with more than 30 years of experience in the field of child development and health psychology. She earned her doctorate in health psychology from Yeshiva University and is a former National Institutes of Health and National Cancer Institute fellow in psycho-oncology and neuropsychology. Based in West Hartford, CT, Dr. Kelly is best known for her research with teens and young adults on resilience, hope, and cancer survivorship. She is the founder of PositiviTeens®, which offers workshops for students, parents, and educators on the impact of digital technology on the developing brain.
