The holidays are beautiful and difficult and everything in between.
When all the lights are twinkling and loved ones gather near, it’s easy to feel like you should be happy. You MUST be.
But that’s not always the reality. This time of year can bring up a lot of emotions and reflections from the past. That’s why we asked Indy wellness experts how they take care of their mental health during this season. Here’s what they had to say:
Note: Interviews were edited for length and clarity.
Get your brhhhhh on
Gabrielle Pointon, psychologist at Jane Pauley Community Health Center
“There are things that can be helpful when you need to calm down. The first one is temperature — you hear about people splashing cold water on their face. Our nervous system is regulated right in the center of our forehead, between our eyes. When we are in fight or flight mode, anything cold on your forehead can bring you down really quickly. Sometimes when it’s freezing outside in the winter, you can take in the cold air and regulate that way.
“Another thing is intense exercise. I don’t mean go run 3 miles. Something more short-term, like screaming into a pillow or doing as many jumping jacks as you can until your arms don’t work anymore. It’s a way to get adrenaline out in a real quick fashion and bring yourself back down.”
Patronize the arts
Devon Ginn, poet and director of community partnerships at Indiana Repertory Theatre
“The arts administrator in me wants to encourage everyone to either be a patron of the arts or find a way to create work, whether putting pen to paper or a sketchpad. You’re not only building confidence and creativity, you’re also creating space to be a more empathetic person.
“When you think about the creation of this artwork, it doesn’t matter how ugly it is or if you’re a novice. It can be aesthetically pleasing or something you would never put on the fridge. Just the act of moving your hands and seeing something manifest on the page — it does something very special to you on an emotional level.”
Buy a grief gift
Daniel Mallory, life coach for Indy Peace
“Around this time of year, it does hit you harder when you miss your loved ones who are no longer here. I know a lot of families who commemorate those absences by still buying the person a gift.
“One of my brothers died in 2021. I framed a picture of my nephew and his dad from when they were last together. It’s a memorial gift for this year. There’s a message in it too, something his dad liked to say: ‘Never forget, never give up and always remain resilient.’ Me and all his uncles try to maintain that connection and keep the family spirit alive during the holidays.”
Look at last year’s Christmas list
Nina Powell, mindfulness guide and founder of Pure Heart Wellness Studio:
“I ask my children what they want for Christmas and to list 10 things they’re grateful for now. Or I have them write down what they wanted last year and answer questions: Do you still use this item? Do you appreciate it or have you abandoned it altogether?
“It’s called ‘enoughness’: practicing gratitude for what you have, instead of overperforming or desiring the next thing.”
Mirror Indy, a nonprofit newsroom, is funded through grants and donations from individuals, foundations and organizations.
Mirror Indy reporter Mary Claire Molloy covers health. Reach her at 317-721-7648 or email maryclaire.molloy@mirrorindy.org. Follow her on X @mcmolloy7.
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
