Holiday gatherings don’t have to be so stressful, says local counselor

( 25News Now ) - Holiday gatherings and dinners are known for good food and togetherness, but they can also cause stress.

Jason Woodford , a licensed clinical counselor for the Antioch Group in Peoria, said calls for therapy tick up in the fall and winter.

He said there’s a possibly a seasonal connection.

Woodford suggests keeping a strong routine, drinking plenty of water, and keeping up on your Vitamin D.

He also said it can help to remember other might be having a tough time, as well.

“There’s a lot of mixed emotions. It can be a time of grief for some. There could be aging family members. There can be difficult family dynamics, a lot of things. Trying to be supportive as you can,” Woodford said.

It helps to go into a gathering not hoping for perfection, but for ‘good enough."