Does your heart race just thinking about crowded airports, packed highways, and delayed flights during the holiday season? You’re not alone. Travel anxiety is real, and the holidays tend to amplify it. Between the pressure to be on time (with gifts in tow!) and navigating busy terminals, it can feel like a recipe for overwhelm.

Let’s be real—the holidays can feel like a marathon. From the moment the first holiday ad pops up in November, it’s a sprint to check every box: buy the perfect gifts, host the perfect gathering, and somehow make everything feel perfect. It’s exhausting.

But what if we flipped the script this year? What if, instead of running ourselves into the ground, we chose simplicity over stress? A holiday season that feels meaningful instead of overwhelming?

There’s a lot to love about the holidays—catching up with friends and family, cozy nights by the fire, and eating more cookies than we’d ever admit. But if we’re being real, the holidays can also come with a lot of pressure. 

I’ve spent way too many December nights frantically wrapping gifts until past midnight, or sweating bullets over an oven upset with myself for how many cookies I thought I could reasonably bake in a too-short amount of time.

Let’s be honest—Thanksgiving is one of those holidays that should be all about the good stuff: food, family, and gratitude. (It’s my favorite holiday after all!) But let’s face it, sometimes the turkey isn’t the only thing roasting at the table. With the post-election buzz still lingering, those tense political debates can sneak in and threaten to derail the day.

The holiday season is here, and we all know what that means: gift-giving stress at its finest. Between the endless scrolling, hoping to find the perfect present, and the general hustle and bustle, holiday shopping can feel more like an Olympic sport. But what if, instead of just another “thing,” your gift could actually bring peace, joy, and better mental well-being? That’s where this guide comes in.

From spending all my money at the scholastic book fair as a kid, to beelining to every famous library or bookstore within a 15 mile radius of wherever I’m traveling, I am a book nerd through and through. Sometimes I’ll dive into a new book right away, other times they’ll adorn my shelf like a bottle of wine waiting to be plucked from the cellar and enjoyed at the perfect moment.

The reality is, our bodies change. Not just year to year but sometimes season to season. And that’s part of being human. When the colder months roll in, with their cozy sweaters, hearty comfort foods, and less sunlight, it’s easy to slip into self-judgment or worry about what others might think or say.

But if you’re someone struggling with loneliness, this time of year can be tough—it can shine a spotlight on all the things you don’t have. The pressure to be social and “have fun” is at its peak, and it can feel like you’re the only one missing out. Trust me, you’re not alone in feeling this way, even if it seems like everyone else is out there living it up.

A few months ago, I did something unexpected and a little out of my comfort zone—I turned my apartment into a coffee shop for a day. Now, this wasn’t some big public event or anything extravagant. It was just for my close friends and family. I wanted to create a cozy, welcoming space where people could gather, enjoy some delicious drinks, and most importantly, connect with one another.

As soon as the days start getting shorter and the air gets chilly, I always feel it—that low-energy, “I want to take a nap all the time” vibe that seems to creep in every fall. No joke, yesterday all I did was go out to lunch and I was so tired afterward I took a nap! And while that can be comforting at first, it can also lead to feeling more sluggish, down, and well, just blah. Sound familiar?

I’ve been reflecting on some incredible people who are using their platforms to advocate for mental health, and I’m in total awe. World Mental Health Day is coming up this Thursday, October 10th, and I want to spotlight voices that are not just talking the talk but walking the walk when it comes to breaking the stigma and raising awareness.

Last Thursday, I had the incredible opportunity to be a guest on the "Today, Explained" podcast, where we dove into the digital nomad lifestyle and what it means to live and work remotely in a post-pandemic world. If you’ve ever been curious about how working from anywhere has changed my life, and what the Lisbon lifestyle is like for an American expat, this episode covers it all.

It’s not about impressing people with a fancy spread. When you share a meal with others, it taps into something primal—there’s a reason “rest and digest” mode sits opposite our survival-oriented “fight or flight” mode. Eating together helps lower our defenses, allowing us to relax and open up.

This Mediterranean-inspired salmon dish is ready in under 30 minutes and you won’t believe how good it is! Plus, it’s packed with flavor AND mental health benefits too!

The thing about people pleasing is that it feels so damn pleasant—at first. You’re the hero, the one who swoops in and saves the day, the "yes" person who makes everyone happy. But, and let’s keep it real, being the "yes" person can drain the life out of you.

Indulge in this creamy, dreamy chocolate avocado mousse that’s as good for your brain as it is for your taste buds! Sure, it might look a little... well, like something else, but this dessert is no joke when it comes to boosting your mood. 

September 10th marks World Suicide Prevention Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness, spreading hope, and taking action to prevent suicide. I lost my brother GJ to suicide back in 2009. He was incredibly creative, kind, and thoughtful. Losing him was one of the most painful experiences of my life and a huge catalyst behind my mission to help others love their lives so they never want to leave them.

I’m so excited to share something sweet with you today—literally! Abi and I just dropped a brand new video where we whip up a treat that’s not only delicious but also packs some serious mental health benefits. 🎉

Introducing our High Protein Probiotic Berry Bark—a simple, refreshing snack that combines the creamy goodness of Greek yogurt with the antioxidant power of fresh berries. It’s the perfect way to treat yourself while giving your brain a little boost.