Sunny Day Therapy's Blog- Helping Children & Caregivers Shine, Do, and Thrive

The holidays are stressful; routines are disrupted. Time pressures and our mental stories create expectations that leave many feeling exhausted and stressed. Brene Brown, researcher and clinician, teaches us to lean in to our vulnerability and to accept our imperfections.  Accept that the holidays are a stressful time full of changes in routines and environments. It is easy to become overly stimulated by even good excitement.  It is okay to love your family and traditions but also acknowledge that the holidays are full of stress.  

There are many reasons we can be stressed at the holidays including:

Unrealistic expectations – wanting the storybook sort of Christmas. Media can contribute to a desire for a “picture-perfect” holiday and little stressors that place this picture out of sync with our reality can stress us

Deadlines and Scheduling- From balancing work to cooking to shopping to attending and hosting events, there is increased pressure to pour into others rather than take time for rest or self care

Family dynamics– The pressure to keep emotional peace while sharing space and traditions can be overwhelming for some.

Grief and Loss– The holidays are a reminder of change. Traditions can be triggers for an acute awareness of someone’s absence or changes in circumstances. 

Loneliness and Isolation– Some are far from loved ones; the media’s picture of “perfection” and “together” can trigger feelings and desires for unrealistic moments. These feelings can drive priorities but also produce guilt for time worked, time away, unrealized dreams, or change. Travel can be exhausting especially when it doesn’t always go as we plan. 

Financial Strain– Gifts, travel, decorations, hosting, etc. 

SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)- Reduced number of daylight hours or increased illness can lead to low energy and anxiety which exacerbate stress. Our winter slump in Vitamin D can produce symptoms such as impaired sleep and feelings of the blues.

Disrupted routines– changes to sleep schedule, work habits, and gorging on holiday foods can affect mood and energy making it harder to manage stress. 

Burnout/pressure to “perform”– Creating a special time can take a toll on mental health leading to a feeling of occupational disruption or “occupational imbalance”, spending a lot of time in one area or compartment of one’s life such as work. 

Brene Brown along with many others emphasize that “No matter what gets done and how much is left undone, I am enough.”

Dr. Day recently read and shared with our team thoughts on the Good Enough Job by Simone Stolzoff. This book reminded her of finding joy and balance in her work. Dr. Day is grateful to have a vocation where “her deep gladness meets the world’s deep hunger” (Buechner).  The book reminded her that times like the holidays remind us that even “too much of a good thing” can create imbalances; times like the holidays when we have disrupted routines remind us of the power of routine and how much control we can have in designing a life of calm and connection. 

Dr. Kimberly Day at Sunny Day Therapy is trained in lifestyle redesign, a specific type of therapy, that uses tools to manage time, design environments, and enhance occupational balance. She is also trained in holistic, whole body strategies including sensory integration, body work, and breathing to enhance physical & mental strength. If one of the above categories stood out to you as being out of sync in your life, know that our tools to promote executive function (clarity & organization of thoughts & behaviors), physical calming, and intentional design of the environment, can help you and your family focus and find calm in the holiday chaos. Our wellness plans and goals prepare you to transition to and through seasons of change with compassionate support.  The holidays are stressful for everyone- but certain types of conditions are particularly at risk for stress such as those with neurodivergence (ADHD, autism, OCD, anxiety, etc.), new parents, those transitioning into new roles, students experiencing anxiety, grief, or changes, caregivers of those with disabilities, etc. Feel empowered with our therapy through connection. We are here for you through seasons of stress and change. We love helping you navigate your health journey; whether you are facing a new diagnosis or just need help coping with a time of change or lack of routine (what we call occupational disruption), we have tools to help you feel more in control and confident to manage your symptoms. 

If you would love to learn more about therapy, training programs, or coaching at Sunny Day Therapy for clients and caregivers (parents, teachers, therapists, etc.), feel free to email kim@beewellot.com (Kim Day) or admin@sunnydaytherapy.net (Matthew, office manager).

• Image designed descriptively by Dr. Day with some help of Canva AI pulling together the art to bring her mind’s story to life.