5 Tips for Managing Holiday Stress
Happy Holidays from La Selva Group! During this busy season, which begins after Thanksgiving and stretches all the way through New Year’s Day, it can feel like one big nonstop marathon – full of joyful moments but also challenging ones.
Many people struggle with stress, loneliness, or overwhelm during the holidays and winter, and it can be easy to judge ourselves, exacerbating these difficulties. The good news is that you are not alone!
The APA conducted a study in which they found that nearly nine in ten (89%) feel stressed and overwhelmed during this season.
So what can we do?
1. Practice Financial, Emotional & Physical Self-Care
- Set realistic expectations: Avoid aiming for “perfect” holidays.
- Create a budget: Avoid financial stress by planning expenses.
- Prioritize rest and downtime: Give yourself permission to say no to events.
2. Stay Connected to Loved Ones & Community
- Reach out to friends or family, even virtually.
- Participate in community events or volunteer to feel a sense of connection.
- Explore online and in person support groups for people facing similar challenges.
3. Find Ways to Cope with Loneliness & Grief
- Honor lost loved ones through traditions or quiet reflection.
- Practice mindfulness or journaling to process emotions.
- Seek therapy or support groups for added help.
4. Manage Family Dynamics
- Set boundaries around topics or interactions that may lead to conflict.
- Limit time spent in stressful situations, if possible.
- Practice grounding techniques to manage anxiety during gatherings.
5. Incorporate Mindfulness for Holiday Wellness
- Incorporate mindfulness or gratitude exercises.
- Engage in physical activity or movement to boost mood.
- Focus on small moments of joy, like holiday lights or a warm drink.
As we navigate the emotional highs and lows of the holiday season, it’s important to remember that support is always within reach—whether through loved ones, self-care practices, or professional resources like our mental health programs designed to provide guidance and relief during this busy time.
La Selva is a PHP/ IOP outpatient program with a limited waitlist and is in-network with most major commercial insurance providers. We can schedule intake assessments as soon as the same day of the referral and start sessions within the same week!
To get started, please call our Outpatient Admissions director, Meremy Needham, at 650-617-8349 or via email at mneedham@momentumforhealth.org.
Best wishes,
Donna Gallienne, MSc, LMFT
Lead Clinician II/Clinical Outreach
Michelle Ly, LCSW: La Selva Group’s New Director of Residential Admissions
Michelle Ly, LCSW is the Director of Residential Admissions at La Selva Group. She has over 19 years of experience in mental health services. She has experience working in multiple settings in mental health and social work (e.g., residential, outpatient clinic, medical social work, and inpatient psychiatric behavioral health). Michelle has a bachelor’s degree in Child Development and a master’s degree in Social Work. Her passion in mental health and social work stems from her own life experiences, perseverance, and resilience.
Michelle’s Contact Info:
Email: MLy@momentummh.org
Phone Number: (650)323-1401
Meet La Selva Group’s New Director of Operations: Anthony Miller, LMFT
La Selva Group, a division of Momentum for Health, is excited to introduce Anthony Miller as our new Director of Operations!
Anthony is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has over 15 years of mental health experience in various settings throughout the Bay Area. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Master of Science Degree in Clinical Psychology from Notre Dame De Namur University. Prior to working at Momentum, he was working in the Tenderloin District of San Francisco as the Program manager of a 60-bed program, working with Ex-offenders transitioning back into our communities.
Anthony started working at Momentum in 2011 as an Assistant Manager/Clinician at the SART program in San Jose. He was promoted in 2013 to Program Manager/Clinician of Litteral House and then promoted shortly after to Director of Residential Services for The La Selva Group in 2014. Anthony has recently been promoted again to his current position, serving as the Director of Operations for The La Selva Group.
In Anthony’s new role of Director of Operations, he collaboratively helps synchronize the multiple programs under La Selva’s umbrella of encompassing services ranging from the Residential program to our Wellness Center, as well as our Supportive Housings and everything in between. Anthony has a strong foundation working across systems and developing continuums of care. He utilizes both his clinical and operational experience to connect the dots and support the ever evolving La Selva community. Anthony works from a strength-based model and takes great pride in helping clients thrive. He is a firm believer that the greatest power is to empower others. When Anthony is not working, he is spending time with his wife and children, practicing physical fitness, and gardening in his backyard.
La Selva Residential has always been a starting point for many of the clients in our community. As Anthony is promoted from Residential, he is passing the torch on to Michelle Ly.