This #essencefest was one for the record books, in This #essencefest was one for the record books, in more ways than one.  Nola will always be one of my favorite places to visit, and I’m looking forward to being in the place again next year. Until then…
My first full day at #essencefest is in the books. My first full day at #essencefest is in the books. It’s very—different from years past, but I’m proud to be covering it this year. 🙌🏾
Awesome human. Magna Cum Laude. Editor-in-Chief. Awesome human. 
Magna Cum Laude.
Editor-in-Chief.
School podcaster.
Quill and Scroll recipient.
Citizenship award winner.
Spirit of Excellence  Award 8 yrs. running. 
Class of 2022. 
Job well done, daughter!
P R O M. That’s the caption. P R O M. That’s the caption.
You done good, young lady. Now it’s time to soar You done good, young lady. Now it’s time to soar. 🎓#classof2022
Happy #NationalCollegeDecisionDay! Laylah is off Happy #NationalCollegeDecisionDay! 

Laylah is officially registered at St. John’s University and will begin her freshman year in August as a Public Relations Major. I’m so proud of her hard work and dedication—proud of the young woman that she has become.
Allow me to reintroduce myself. My name is.. Dan Allow me to reintroduce myself. My name is.. 

Danyelle Little, the NEW Director of Marketing and Communications at @rungforwomen . Been sitting on this for a while—now it’s officially official. 🙌🏾
Happy 28th birthday to the best son a mom could ev Happy 28th birthday to the best son a mom could ever have. Kind. Supportive. Talented. Creative. Caring. Smart. Courageous. The list goes on and on. You’ve overcome so much in the past year, and I know that God’s plan for you is working. I love you more than words can say. ❤️❤️❤️
And it’s official. Signed, sealed, delivered. Cl And it’s official. Signed, sealed, delivered. Class of 2026! 🙌🏾@stjohnsu #acceptedstudentday
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Health & Beauty, Healthy Living/Eating, Holidays, Kids & Parenting · December 3, 2015

Singing the Holiday Blues? Tips to Help You Cope


Singing the Holiday Blues Tips to Help You Cope

It’s the most wonderful time of the year.  But sadly, not for everyone.  Whether it’s dealing with loss, getting over an addiction, being new in town, helping children post-divorce or caring for a senior citizen,  Dr. Hafeez has suggestions to help make the holidays a bit easier to navigate as you combat the holiday blues.

For the newly divorced or widowed:

Loss is a sad, life-changing event at any time of the year.  However, it tends to be harder when everyone around you is joyful and giddy with holiday cheer.  “Don’t be so hard on yourself by trying to minimize your pain,” advises Dr. Hafeez.  Allow yourself to grieve – it’s only natural.  She also suggests reaching out to family and friends and joining a grief or support group.  Surrounding yourself with loved ones or others going through the same experience will help you feel less lonely.  To find a grief group in your area: http://www.griefshare.org/findagroup

Dr. Hafeez  is an advocate for volunteering.  Helping those less fortunate can give you a sense of love and pride, while immersing yourself in the true spirit of the holidays, in the hopes of lifting your own.  Lastly, Dr. Hafeez says to “be good to yourself.  Take a long bath, read a good book, get a massage.  Do something that you love to do and makes you feel good.  Neglecting yourself will only make you feel worse.”

For those who are new in town:

A Meetup Group is a local community of people. A Meetup Group hosts Meetups, which are face to face meetings that happen in real life between members and organizers. They can range from anything from “a new in town” group to yoga groups, restaurant groups, you name it, there is a “meet up” for every hobby.  On the Find a Meetup Group page, you’ll be able to see the location, description, and topics of Meetup Groups. You can also browse individual Meetups within all the groups in your area. www.meetup.com

Seasonal Affect Disorder– A light box mimics outdoor light. Researchers believe this type of light causes a chemical change in the brain that lifts your mood and eases other symptoms of SAD. Most people use light boxes for a minimum of 30 minutes each morning.

You can buy a light box over the counter, or your doctor may recommend a specific light box.  Light boxes, available from stores and Internet retailers, come in different shapes and sizes and have varied features. They also produce different types and intensities of light. Light boxes are designed to be safe and effective, but they aren’t approved or regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so it’s important to understand your options.

Depression?  There’s an App for that. More people commit suicide during the holidays than at any other time of the year. Unfortunately for people who are under the care of a psychologist, it is very likely their treatment will be interrupted over the holidays due to vacationing doctors. Thankfully, there are many excellent apps for Android and Smart Phones.  Some top apps are: Health Through Breath, Secret of Happiness, Depression CBT Self Help Guide,  NIH Depression Info, and Fitness Builder.

For the caretaker of a senior citizen:

Don’t forget that elderly people tire easily and can be vulnerable to over-stimulation.  “Limit the number of activities for these people and schedule time for a nap if you are traveling or take them home when they become exhausted,” says Dr. Hafeez.  Offer to cook for them at your home or help to cook at theirs.  While older people may no longer be self-sufficient in the kitchen, there is no reason why they can’t help.  Dr. Hafeez says “including them in the meal preparation is a great way for them to feel involved in the holidays, without putting them in any danger.”  And if you are gathering in a place that is unfamiliar, make sure to remove slippery throw rugs and other items that could present a problem to one who has balance problems or difficulty walking.

For the parent dealing with post-divorce children:

Dr. Hafeez suggests that, “one parent may just have to be the ‘bigger’ one and give in for the sake of the kids,” when there is a dispute taking place.  Whether it’s over the holiday schedule or bedtime after a party, the kids feel the stress.  Also, Dr. Hafeez advises to try to collaborate with your former spouse over presents, so there is no competition over who gives the best gifts.  “And never undermine the other parent.  If he or she says they aren’t allowed to have something, don’t buy it! Be an adult,” says Dr. Hafeez.

For the recovering alcoholic:

Recovering from addiction is hard.  Period.  But it’s harder when holiday festivities are filled with friends and family drinking everything from eggnog to champagne.  “Be prepared for what you may face, before going to a party,” advises Dr. Hafeez.  She suggests an answer like “I’m choosing not to drink today,” or “I’ve decided to be the designated driver,” should get people off your back.

Dr. Hafeez, also offers this advice if you are traveling over the holidays.  “Traveling often takes you to places where drinking can be encouraged, such as airports, planes and hotel bars.” Prepare yourself ahead of time by reminding yourself over and over that these settings may make you uncomfortable, but you don’t have a drink to make yourself feel more comfortable.  If you have to, make yourself a note in your phone and read it to yourself if you’re starting to feel vulnerable.

While this year may not be the happiest and easiest of holidays, remind yourself that next year will be better.  “Looking forward, not back, is the best way to embrace the future on a positive note,” says Dr. Hafeez.

Click for more information on Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Dr. Sanam Hafeez (comprehendthemind.com) is a neuro-Psychologist in NYC (Manhattan and Forest Hills, Queens), and treats patients in her practice who display and express mood changes once October rolls around.


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In: Health & Beauty, Healthy Living/Eating, Holidays, Kids & Parenting · Tagged: health and wellness, holiday blues, Seasonal Affective Disorder, winter blues

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This #essencefest was one for the record books, in This #essencefest was one for the record books, in more ways than one.  Nola will always be one of my favorite places to visit, and I’m looking forward to being in the place again next year. Until then…
My first full day at #essencefest is in the books. My first full day at #essencefest is in the books. It’s very—different from years past, but I’m proud to be covering it this year. 🙌🏾
Awesome human. Magna Cum Laude. Editor-in-Chief. Awesome human. 
Magna Cum Laude.
Editor-in-Chief.
School podcaster.
Quill and Scroll recipient.
Citizenship award winner.
Spirit of Excellence  Award 8 yrs. running. 
Class of 2022. 
Job well done, daughter!
P R O M. That’s the caption. P R O M. That’s the caption.
You done good, young lady. Now it’s time to soar You done good, young lady. Now it’s time to soar. 🎓#classof2022
Happy #NationalCollegeDecisionDay! Laylah is off Happy #NationalCollegeDecisionDay! 

Laylah is officially registered at St. John’s University and will begin her freshman year in August as a Public Relations Major. I’m so proud of her hard work and dedication—proud of the young woman that she has become.
Allow me to reintroduce myself. My name is.. Dan Allow me to reintroduce myself. My name is.. 

Danyelle Little, the NEW Director of Marketing and Communications at @rungforwomen . Been sitting on this for a while—now it’s officially official. 🙌🏾
Happy 28th birthday to the best son a mom could ev Happy 28th birthday to the best son a mom could ever have. Kind. Supportive. Talented. Creative. Caring. Smart. Courageous. The list goes on and on. You’ve overcome so much in the past year, and I know that God’s plan for you is working. I love you more than words can say. ❤️❤️❤️
And it’s official. Signed, sealed, delivered. Cl And it’s official. Signed, sealed, delivered. Class of 2026! 🙌🏾@stjohnsu #acceptedstudentday
Look for me in the Spring/Summer edition of St. Lo Look for me in the Spring/Summer edition of St. Louis Family Magazine—page 10 to be exact! I’m honored to be able to share a glimpse into my life as an author, Social Media Manager, and most importantly, a mom! 💕

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