As the holidays approach and everyone gets busier than ever, feelings of goodwill can give way to stress and anxiety. This week, host Paula Felps sits down with licensed mental health counselor Travis McNulty, clinical director and founder of McNulty Counseling and Wellness, to explore how we can reduce holiday stress and emotional overwhelm. Travis explains why the season often triggers old family roles and patterns, how expectations can set us up for disappointment, and what practical tools we can use to stay grounded. From breathing techniques to boundary-setting, he shares strategies to help us move through the holidays with more calm, intention, and joy.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why holiday environments can trigger old emotional roles and stress responses.
• Simple tools like exercise and diaphragmatic breathing to calm the nervous system.
• How setting boundaries and redefining expectations can make the holidays more enjoyable.