Some anniversaries leave an imprint that time doesn’t erase. The day associated with a loss can stir heaviness, anxiety, or a sense of restlessness, often catching people off guard.

The weeks following a break can be surprisingly tender. We return to our routines with intentions, hopes, and quiet expectations — only to find that plans shift, energy runs out, or something we were looking forward to doesn’t happen after all.

The turn of a new year often arrives carrying a familiar message:
Start fresh. Do better. Fix what didn’t work. Grief and anxiety often intensify at the beginning of a new year, particularly for those who have experienced loss or prolonged stress.

The holidays often arrive carrying two truths at once: the hope for connection, and the weight of expectations that rarely unfold as planned. For many people, this season brings increased emotional demand, relational strain, anxiety, and nervous system fatigue.

Stress is a fundamental part of being human. While we can't escape it, our secret weapon lies in our adaptive stress response. When this defense system is in top shape, it shields us from anxiety, keeping it from spiraling into something more severe.