JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — With multiple hurricanes, political unrest and now the busy holiday season upon us, it’s more important than ever to focus on mental health.
Bonnie Davis, a yoga instructor at the YMCA, says it’s time to plan for your well-being, not just for the year ahead, but for the days when stress feels overwhelming.
Here are her three tips to help you maintain balance during this busy season.
"We’ve all been through a lot lately natural disasters, election stress, and now the holiday rush. It can feel like there's no time to breathe. But it’s crucial to plan for your mental health, especially now. It’s about giving yourself permission to pause and reset," she says.
Tip number one: Breathing. Bonnie says that taking a few minutes each day to focus on your breath can make a world of difference.
"When we're stressed, we forget how to breathe properly. Breathing deeply helps reset your nervous system. One of my favorites is Box Breathing—inhale for four counts, hold for four, exhale for four, and hold again for four. This simple practice can calm anxiety and center your mind."
Tip number two: Scheduling self-care. Bonnie reminds us that taking care of ourselves isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.
And finally, tip number three: Allowing mental space. It’s easy to get caught up in the constant "what’s next" mentality. Bonnie encourages everyone to give themselves the mental space to just be.
"This season, try to give yourself permission to not think about what's coming next. Instead, focus on being present in the moment. When we live in the moment, we can actually reduce stress and feel more balanced."