The Nest Podcast and Blog
Listen up.
You can listen to my podcast on Spotify where I talk with special guests who are local therapists about creating the life, love, and relationships you want.
New episodes or blogs posted bi-weekly.
SZN. 4 Ep. 5/ Holiday Anxiety and Family Triggers
The holidays can heighten stress and anxiety, especially around family gatherings. Alexandria Gohla, MSW, LCSW, Ed.S, explains that unresolved family dynamics, old roles, and past trauma often trigger intense emotional responses during the season. Common stressors include conflict, financial pressure, and the expectation of “perfect” celebrations. Effective strategies for managing holiday anxiety include setting realistic expectations, establishing boundaries, using somatic coping tools, limiting alcohol and caffeine, focusing on small moments of joy, and creating an exit plan. By preparing mentally and practicing self-compassion, you can navigate family gatherings with greater calm and resilience.
SZN. 4 Ep. 2/ Mindful Eating vs. Food Guilt
Holiday meals can trigger food guilt and stress, especially when diet culture and perfectionism frame eating as “good” or “bad.” Alexandria Gohla, MSW, LCSW, Ed.S, explains that this guilt activates the stress response, interferes with digestion, and reinforces unhealthy eating patterns. Mindful eating offers an alternative by encouraging awareness, presence, and self-compassion around food. Key strategies include pausing before eating, serving balanced plates without rules, slowing down to savor meals, practicing gentle self-talk, noticing emotional triggers, grounding somatically, and practicing gratitude without pressure. Therapy and mindful eating support can help individuals break free from food guilt, foster healthier relationships with meals, and enjoy the holiday season with ease and nourishment.