How to boost your holiday mood using gratitude & the power of story! Episode 220

Title: How to boost your holiday mood using gratitude and the power of story! Episode 220   THIS WEEK’S TOPIC: We often put so much pressure on ourselves to create the perfect holiday experiences. That added stress can leave us depleted, overstretched, and — if we aren’t careful — it can put our mental health at risk. We can’t fully eliminate stress (nor would we want to), but we can engage in a few strategies that I find particularly helpful. These things also tie into a couple of the most important dimensions needed for building and sustaining influence that I talked about back in Episode 215. Please be sure to check out that episode if you missed it!   I’m releasing this week’s episode a few days before Thanksgiving. If you are anything like me, you are already on overdrive! All the more reason to make sure you have some additional tools and perspective in mind as you manage through holiday stress. This episode is short and a good one to listen to while you are running your errands, or taking a few minutes for yourself.    THIS WEEK’S GUEST:  I’m solo this week!    KEY TOPICS: THE INFLUENCE / MENTAL HEALTH CONNECTION REFRAMING OUR STORIES: Why we can’t overlook the more difficult ones, and why they matter so much.  HOW THE FIRST THANKSGIVING was actually a celebration of survival.  GRATITUDE LISTS ARE GREAT, but “other praising” may yield more value! GRATITUDE, “OTHER PRAISING,” AND CONNECTION GETTING TACTICAL WITH “OTHER PRAISING”   LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:  she said/she said podcast – Three ways we can create influence that can help us to thrive – Episode 215 she said/she said podcast  Episode 205 with Dr. Samantha Boardman “Everyday Vitality: Turning Stress Into Strength” by Samantha Boardman Lydia Menzies Holiday Market and Supper Club The Southern Bungalow Candle Company The Southern Coterie  Friend, I’m truly grateful for you — not just at Thanksgiving, but all year long! I hope you have a happy, safe and wonderful holiday. And, if you have an extra minute, I would love to hear from YOU! Tell me what you thought of this episode and how you work to boost your mood and battle stress, especially during the holidays.  In addition to the contact link on at she said/she said podcast.com (below), you can also direct message me on Instagram @lauraCoxKaplan or