Here is the fifth and final tip in our series on coping with the unique food challenges the holiday season brings. Deprivation and rebellion eating can become a big part of our holidays without us even realizing it. It doesn’t have to be that way though. We can take steps to recognize and deal with…

Here is our fourth tip in our series on coping with the unique food challenges the holiday season brings. What better time to comfort ourselves with food than during the holiday season when comfort food is everywhere! But let’s also look at some other ways to soothe during this time. Dealing With Soothing or Comfort…

Here is our third tip in our series on coping with the unique food challenges the holiday season brings. The holidays are wonderful, and fun, and amazing, and yes, stressful. Some of us naturally turn to food when the stress and anxiety start to build. Maybe shifting your focus will help. Dealing with Stress or…

One of the real joys this holiday season is the opportunity to say thank you. We appreciate you and wish you the best in the coming year. Whatever is beautiful. Whatever is meaningful. Whatever brings you happiness. May it be yours this holiday season and in the coming New Year.

Here is the second tip in our series for coping with the unique food challenges the holiday season brings. Rewarding yourself isn’t a bad thing. You work hard during the holidays. But, be careful not to fall into the trap of only rewarding yourself with food. Dealing With Reward or Entertainment Eating Much holiday eating…

The holiday season is upon us! We’ve got some tips to help you cope with the unique food challenges the holiday season brings. The skill of Self Compassion can help you immensely during the holidays. We are often compassionate toward other people, but fail to allow ourselves the same. Practicing self compassion will allow you…

It’s the season of thanksgiving and gifting once again. Per tradition, we rush around Houston shopping for presents and filling our pantries with items for the ritual feasts. We overdose on seasonal songs and sweet family movies. We busy ourselves with online wish lists. Then we pour on ourselves loads of Pinterest-perfect pressure to create a…

Are you currently decking the halls with boughs of holly or dodging bouts of holiday depression? Depression at this time of year is fairly common, so don’t beat yourself up for feeling particularly blue. You are not alone if sadness and isolation are all that seem to accompany the deluge of toy commercials, family gatherings,…

This year’s election has been more contentious than most. Everyone’s still on edge and feelings are raw on both sides. Lucky you, you get to spend Thanksgiving with all these people. Before you cancel Thanksgiving altogether because you don’t know how to handle these political differences, try these 5 tips instead to keep the peace.…

At this time of year, when spending happy moments with family is given so much emphasis, it’s even harder to deal with the loss of a family member, painful family memories, and loneliness. The holidays may be a greater reminder of the loss of someone you love. Sometimes being with family causes us to self-evaluate in…

Recently, a dear friend of mine visited me in Houston from out of town, which excited me but also sent me into a cleaning frenzy.  This friend had never seen my apartment before, and I wanted it to be spotless and organized and cool and interesting and all kinds of fabulous.  For some reason, I…

The holidays can often be a hectic, over-scheduled, stressful time despite the intention of connection, goodwill, and peace. Start your holiday season off by committing to yourself this year. Ask yourself what do you need to renew, refresh and connect this holiday season? Remember, self-care is not selfish. Self-care is what allows you to be…

Coping with Depression During the Holidays The holiday season tends to affect people on multiple fronts. The images of loving family and good cheer can contrast starkly to our own experiences. In addition, people may be affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (seasonal depression) caused by the short days and the early darkness. Tips on dealing…