Finding Meaning in the Holidays: Navigating Stress, Anxiety, and Family Dynamics with Dr. Marisa Mazza

Meaning Vs Merit

Summary:

The holidays can provide a chance to reconnect with what truly matters, while also challenging our sense of peace and purpose. Dr. Marisa Mazza, a clinical psychologist specializing in anxiety and OCD, shares expert advice on managing stress, setting boundaries, and aligning with your values to create a meaningful holiday season.

Details:

In this episode of Meaning vs. Merit, host Dr. Maria-Christina is joined by clinical psychologist Dr. Marisa Mazza to explore how we can navigate the challenges of the holiday season while staying true to our values and creating meaningful experiences. From managing anxiety to setting boundaries with family members, Dr. Mazza offers practical tips for showing up in ways that align with what matters most to us.

The conversation dives into:

• How to identify your values and let them guide your holiday decisions.
• Tips for managing anxiety and difficult family dynamics.
• Tips on integrating humor to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics.
• How saying no can sometimes be the most meaningful choice.
• The importance of self-compassion and emotional safety when facing discomfort.
• Strategies for teens to make the most of their holiday break.

The holidays often test our ability to balance connection, expectations, and self-care. This episode is a reminder that living a values-driven life — even when it’s uncomfortable in the short term — can bring deeper joy, fulfillment, and meaning in the long run.

About Our Guest:

Dr. Marisa Mazza is a clinical psychologist, author of The ACT Workbook for OCD, and an expert in helping people face their fears while living a life aligned with their values. She is passionate about teaching valued-living and self-compassion and guiding others to thrive in ways that matter most.

Resources and Links:

• Learn more about Dr. Marisa Mazza and her work and sign up for her newsletter for updates on her upcoming self-compassion workshops at choicetherapy.net

Key Takeaway:

This holiday season, reconnect with what brings you meaning—even if it means setting boundaries, embracing discomfort, or prioritizing your emotional well-being. Meaningful living is about making conscious choices that align with your values.

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