Therapist reveals Christmas tree trick to ease holiday stress

Holiday Stress Relief: A ​Simple Trick from a‍ Therapist

Feeling overwhelmed with holiday stress? you’re not alone. New research reveals that a⁢ important number of Americans are experiencing higher levels of stress compared to last year. Contributing factors include rising‌ gift-giving costs, grief over ‍the‌ loss of loved ones, and the lingering ⁢effects of complex family dynamics stemming from recent elections. [[1]] but don’t despair! Therapist Maddie Spear, LCSW, who specializes in trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and coping skills, offers a​ simple yet effective tool to help ⁤manage holiday ⁣stress.

Maddie⁣ Spear provides tips for managing stress.

Spear ⁢suggests a‍ drawing ‍exercise: create a Christmas tree and incorporate four arrows: a downward arrow followed by an‍ upward arrow, then another downward arrow, and a final upward One. “You can draw the tree however ⁣you ​choose,” explains ​Spear, sharing this advice ⁣with her 327,200 TikTok followers.“But be ​sure to include those four arrows.” ‍ [[1]] Maddie Spear, a licensed clinical social⁢ worker, ⁣suggests an unconventional but effective approach⁢ to ‌manage holiday stress:​ drawing a Christmas tree. Spear, who specializes in ⁣trauma, PTSD,⁤ anxiety, ‍and coping skills, believes this simple activity ‌can provide a surprising ​sense of calm during a possibly overwhelming ⁤season. Unwind⁤ This ​Holiday Season ‌With These Expert Tips The holidays, ‍while filled with joy ​and festivity, can​ also bring on a wave‍ of stress. Therapist​ Maddie spear,specializing in trauma,PTSD,anxiety,and coping skills,offers ⁢a simple yet effective ⁢technique to find ⁣calm amidst the ⁢holiday chaos. Spear suggests drawing a⁣ Christmas tree, using arrows pointing​ up and down along its branches.”After you’ve done that⁢ a ⁣couple of ‍different times,” she advises, “take your breath ⁢and ⁤your finger and⁤ pair them together.” She instructs followers to trace thier fingers along ​the arrows, exhaling through their mouths on the downward⁢ arrows ⁢and inhaling⁣ through ⁤their noses⁤ on the upward arrows. “Repeat as needed.” Spear explains ​that⁢ this exercise slows your heart rate and promotes⁤ a sense ‍of calm.

Maddie Spear suggests drawing​ a Christmas tree as ‍a simple technique⁢ to manage holiday stress. TikTok ‍/ @therapy_thoughts

This technique harnesses the power of diaphragmatic breathing,which activates ​the parasympathetic nervous system. “This helps manage⁢ stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure and improve sleep quality.”

If artistic endeavors aren’t your forte, renowned integrative medicine physician Dr. Michelle Loy offers‍ additional holiday stress-reduction strategies. Loy, affiliated ‍with NewYork-Presbyterian⁣ and Weill Cornell ⁣Medicine, highlights six simple ⁣tips​ for fostering a healthier‌ mindset‍ throughout the festive season.
This text describes a stress-management​ technique advocated by therapist Maddie Spear: drawing a Christmas tree‍ with four specific arrows. ‌Here’s a breakdown:



**The Technique:**



1. **Draw‌ a ​Christmas Tree:** Any‍ style will do, according to​ Spear.



2. **Add ⁤Four Arrows:** Place ⁤an‌ arrow pointing downward on the⁣ middle left side of the tree. Then,‍ draw an arrow pointing upwards on the middle right. ‌ Follow that with another downward arrow⁤ on the opposite side, then a ​final upward

arrow.



**The therapist:**



* Maddie Spear⁣ is a licensed ​clinical social worker (LCSW)



* She specializes‍ in trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and coping mechanisms.

* She’s gained ⁣a large following sharing advice on TikTok [@MaddieSpear]



**The Purpose:**



While the text doesn’t ⁣explain the rationale behind the arrows, Spear claims⁤ this simple drawing exercise helps to bring a sense of calmness during​ the often-hectic ​holiday season.



**Additional Points:**



* The technique is described as unconventional but effective.

*⁣ Spear’s popularity on TikTok suggests this technique resonates with⁢ many people.







Let me⁤ know ⁣if you’d like me to elaborate on any specific aspect or have ⁢further questions.

This text appears too be from a news article or blog post about coping with holiday stress. It features advice from therapist Maddie Spear who suggests drawing a Christmas tree with arrows to aid in relaxation.



Here’s a breakdown of the key points:





* **Holiday Stress:** The beginning acknowledges the holidays can be stressful despite being joyful.

* **Maddie Spear’s Technique:** It introduces Maddie Spear, a therapist specializing in trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and coping skills, and her unique calming technique.

* **Drawing the christmas Tree:** The technique involves drawing a christmas tree with arrows pointing up and down its branches.

* **Breathing Exercise:** Users are instructed to trace their fingers along the arrows, exhaling on downward arrows and inhaling on upward arrows.

* **Benefits:** Spear explains this exercise helps slow the heart rate and promotes a sense of calm.



The text also includes a few images, likely of Maddie Spear and perhaps the Christmas tree drawing.



Let me know if you have any specific questions about the text or want me to elaborate on any aspect!