If you’re struggling with holiday anxiety, Yule should try this trauma therapist’s tip of the tree.
More than a quarter (28%) of Americans Confess that you are feeling more stressed That’s more than this time last year, thanks to soaring gift costs, the loss of loved ones, and complicated family dynamics following a controversial election.
Maddie Spear, a licensed clinical social worker and therapist who specializes in trauma, PTSD, anxiety and coping skills, says she has a knack for alleviating stress and anxiety.
First, draw a Christmas tree that features a down arrow, followed by an up arrow, then a down arrow, and then another up arrow.
“You can draw the tree any way you want,” Speer told her. 327,200 TikToks followers In the re-released video“But be sure to put the four arrows in there.”
Spear instructed the audience to use their fingers to trace along the arrows, using the down arrow to go down and the up arrow to go up.
“After you do that a few times, I want you to pair your breath and your fingers together,” said Spear, who is based in North Carolina.
“For the down arrow, breathe out through your mouth; for the up arrow, breathe in through your nose,” Spear continued.
Repeat as necessary. Spear said this exercise helps lower your heart rate and promotes a sense of calm.
Slow, deep breathing into your abdomen activates your parasympathetic nervous system, which can help manage stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure, and improve the quality of your sleep.
If you’re not much of an artist, there are other ways you can reduce holiday stress.
Dr. Michelle RoyThe integrative medicine physician at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine shared with the Post six simple suggestions for achieving a healthier mindset during the holidays.
