Spending, Stress, and Saying No: Setting Holiday Boundaries That Protect Your Mental Health

Christmas is often marketed as a season of joy, generosity, and “perfect” celebrations, but for many Philadelphia residents, it also brings real financial stress. Rising prices, higher interest rates, and expectations around gifts, travel and special meals can turn December into a month of anxiety and strain instead of joy and connection. If the idea of Holiday celebration is centered in gifts and experiences, the expenses can pile up quickly: gifts for family, office or school exchanges, donations, parties, outfits, travel, and extra food. More than half of American think [...]

2025-12-22T15:17:03-05:00December 22nd, 2025|Holidays, Self-Help|

When Christmas Isn’t Merry: Coping with the Holiday Blues

For many people, Christmas can be less about carols and more about the blues. The holiday season can be the “most wonderful time of the year;” but for others, Christmas can feel heavy, lonely, or even painful. It is a completely valid way to experience this time. The constant pressure to be cheerful, whether from music, advertising, or social media, can add shame, as if not liking Christmas means something is wrong with you. The truth is that for some people the holiday season can bring grief, stress, or memories [...]

Mind Your Holidays: A Season for Compassion, Connection, and Care

The Holidays Aren’t Easy for Everyone The holiday season often brings excitement, gatherings, and good cheer; but for many, it can also stir up feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and grief. At Population Health’s Healthy Minds Philly Initiative, we recognize that the holidays can look different for everyone. As part of our community commitment to mental well-being, we’re inviting you to Take the Pledge to Mind Your Holidays - to bring mindfulness, compassion, and care into every part of the season. Why "Mind Your Holidays" Matters Behind the glitter and festivities, some people [...]

2025-11-04T10:11:05-05:00November 3rd, 2025|Awareness, Holidays, Self-Help|

How to Keep Your New Year Resolutions for Better Fitness, Healthy Eating, and Mental Health in 2024

Fitness and good food are important for your mental health. Research suggests that exercise helps lower anxiety and improve mood. And we know foods impact the way we feel. New Year resolutions are an opportunity to set fitness, nutrition, and mental health goals for 2024. But the reality is many of us fall short of our goals by Jan. 3.  As a trainer, I want to share simple tips that will help you stick to your resolutions for better mental health, diet, and fitness. Let me tell you about my [...]

2024-01-03T09:35:55-05:00January 3rd, 2024|Holidays, Self-Help|
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