While many of us look forward to the holiday season, for just as many, and even for those of us who still enjoy them, the holidays are a time of stress. Whether you find the shorter, darker days depressing, have painful memories evoked by the season, worry about how to balance gift giving with your stretched-too-thin budget, or are just wrung out from trying to do everything that’s necessary to ensure those around you have a wonderful holiday, this time of year can be very difficult.

It’s important to remember that in between all the festivities you need to make room for yourself. On Sunday, December 17th at 4pm, the Benicia Public Library invites you to do just that with a special program called Soothing the Soul. Nimat Shakoor-Grantham, Benicia resident and licensed family and trauma psychotherapist, will be on hand to offer support and tips on self-care for the holiday season. Managing stress during the holidays is crucial for maintaining your mental and physical well-being. While the holidays are meant to be a time of joy and connection it can be difficult to set realistic expectations for oneself. By taking proactive steps to manage stress, you can create a more enjoyable and fulfilling holiday season for yourself and those around you and enter the new year with a resolution to practice self-care.