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Holiday Stress Survival Guide with a Therapist

The holidays are supposed to be joyful—but for many, they’re a source of anxiety, tension, and emotional overload. In this episode, we break down why family gatherings are so stressful and share practical tools to help you get through them without losing yourself.

Host: Jim Lang
Guest: Sim Chhabra (Therapist, Horizon Within) — Registered therapist specializing in CBT, anxiety, and emotional regulation.

Key topics covered in this episode:

• Why visiting family feels like an “away game” for your mental health
• A simple CBT-based tool (the SANTA method) to manage holiday anxiety
• How to handle judgmental in-laws without blowing up relationships
• The hidden emotional toll of hosting family and friends
• Practical ways to stay grounded, calm, and present during the holidays

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