Insights from Brynn Davis, Director of Addiction & Recovery at Centra Psychiatry & Behavioral Health
For many of us, the holidays are a time we hope will bring peace, joy and connection. But as Brynn Davis, director of addiction and recovery at Centra Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, gently reminded us, those feelings don’t simply appear on their own. “These feelings don’t just happen,” she shared. “We often have to create space for them.”
That begins with slowing down. You must pause long enough to identify what you truly want to feel and then choose a few small actions that move you in that direction. “If someone wants connection, they might schedule a quiet coffee with a friend. If they want peace, they can protect time in their day for rest or stillness,” explained Davis.
Traditions also play a role in shaping emotional well-being. Simple rituals, including sharing a meal, watching a favorite movie or doing something that sparks gratitude, tend to be the most restorative.
"Stress often comes from traditions that are too demanding, too expensive or tied to unrealistic expectations," Davis noted. "You're allowed to keep the pieces that feel good and let go of the ones that don't."
As social obligations increase, setting boundaries becomes essential. The body often signals when limits are needed. This can include tension, overwhelm, irritation or exhaustion. “You know it’s time to set a boundary when your body or emotions start signaling discomfort,” she said. “Boundaries don’t have to be harsh, simple statements like, ‘I care about you, but I can’t commit to that this year,’ can communicate needs with kindness.”
Another way to ease pressure is by redefining what “enough” looks like. “‘Enough’ is not measured by how much money you spend or how many events you attend,” Davis added. “It’s measured by whether you feel present, grounded and connected to your values.” She encourages people to ask themselves: “What matters most to me this year? What will I remember a month from now?”
To stay aligned with those priorities, Davis recommended quick check-ins: “How am I feeling? What do I need? Do I
have the energy for this?” Even a brief pause, she says, “can prevent saying ‘yes’ to something that leads to stress later.”
Meaningful connection also comes from choosing relationships that replenish rather than drain. “Ask yourself, ‘Who fills my cup? Who helps me feel safe, supported or genuinely myself?’” Davis said. “Quality, not quantity, is what helps
people feel grounded during the holidays.”
Rest is another essential component of mental well-being. “Rest is not selfish it’s part of staying healthy,” she
emphasized. “Small acts of self-care, a short walk, a quiet morning, an early bedtime, can make a noticeable difference in how people move through the season.”
Because the holidays can heighten stress, watch for early warning signs such as irritability, trouble sleeping or feeling
on edge. “When these signs appear,” she says, “take a break, reach out to a supportive person or simplify your plans.”
“Self-compassion means talking to yourself the way you would talk to someone you care about,” she shared. “Allow
yourself imperfection and celebrate the small wins.”
Examine expectations, internal and external and ask, is this helping me, or hurting me? “When people give themselves
permission to choose what feels healthy instead of what feels expected,” Davis said, “they make room for more joy,
peace and authenticity.”
