Hope for the Holidays: Tools to Help Kids Cope with Stress, Anxiety and the Winter Blues

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 5, 2025 — School counselor and award-winning children’s author Jennifer Licate cautions parents that while the holiday season is a symbol of hope, this time of year can be especially difficult for kids who are already juggling academics, sports, friendships and the pressure to excel.

 

“While the holidays are a time of excitement for many, they can also cause children who are struggling with their mental health to feel even more alone and different,” Licate said. 

 

Recognizing when normal stress begins to cross into anxiety is essential, Licate explains. Physical signs such as headaches, stomachaches or sleep disruptions before a big event may signal something deeper. But emotional clues matter just as much. A child who suddenly withdraws from activities they once loved may be struggling beneath the surface.

 

“You know your child best. You know their history. If your child has always loved going to basketball practice and suddenly doesn’t want to go, starts complaining about it — that’s a really big sign,” said Licate, whose chapter book My Anxiety is Messing Things Up centers on a hardworking student athlete named Oscar who feels the relentless pressure to be perfect — in school, in sports and in friendships.

 

Oscar’s drive to succeed earns him praise in the classroom and on the field — but also leaves him wracked with anxiety. Unable to sleep and increasingly irritable, Oscar lashes out at his friends. When a teacher invites him to a school support group, Oscar must decide if he’s willing to seek help and try new strategies for relief.

 

Licate expertly combines a fast-paced, relatable story with guided questions and activities at the end of each chapter. These tools help young readers explore their own feelings, while giving parents, teachers and counselors a structured way to start meaningful conversations about anxiety.

 

“I wrote the book to help children understand anxiety,” said Licate. “Not all symptoms look the same, and not all strategies will work for everyone. My hope is that kids learn there are multiple tools they can try to feel more confident and less overwhelmed.”

 

The release comes at a time when educators are reporting increased stress levels among students. According to recent studies, more than one in three children experience anxiety symptoms, and sleep disruption is one of the most common side effects. Licate, who has worked as a school counselor for more than a decade, believes early intervention and open discussion can help prevent anxiety from becoming debilitating later in life.

 

“Children do not need to wait until anxiety is debilitating before using strategies to help their symptoms,” Licate added. “Using strategies to deal with anxiety can help children and anyone reduce their symptoms so they can live their best lives, work toward achieving their goals and feel confident.”

 

My Anxiety is Messing Things Up

Publisher: Boys Town Press

ISBN-13: ‎978-1944882891

Available from https://www.amazon.com/Anxiety-Messing-Things-Navigating-Friendship/dp/1944882898

This Holiday Season, Enjoy the Feasts; Skip the Bloating and Discomfort

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

 

NEW YORK, NY, Dec. 5, 2025 — The mix of rich food, extra stress and endless holiday gatherings can do a number on the digestive system. Between charcuterie boards, champagne toasts and once-a-year desserts, it’s no wonder bloating is one of the most common holiday complaints. And nothing kills holiday cheer faster than feeling uncomfortably full and sluggish. The good news is that bloating can be kept under control without missing out on all those festive holiday foods.

 

The key is a little strategy and making some simple, science-backed tweaks. Here are smart ways to maintain a happy gut and avoid that dreaded holiday bloat this year:

 

●       Front-load each day with protein and fiber. Starting with a high-protein, high-fiber breakfast steadies blood sugar and curbs cravings later. It also helps boost satiety, making it easier to pass up office goodies or that second slice of pie.

 

●       Watch portion sizes. Oversized holiday meals take much longer to digest, potentially leading to bloating. Instead of piling a plate sky high, savor smaller servings and save some favorites for the next day.

 

●       Slow down at the table. Taking at least 30 minutes to finish a meal helps prevent excess air from sneaking into your stomach. Chewing gum, sipping from straws or rushing through a plate can all increase swallowed air and the bloating that comes with it.

 

●       Boost dietary fiber intake. Fiber helps move food through the digestive system at the right pace to keep things regular. Holiday foods that are also good sources of dietary fiber include apples, pears, cranberries, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, wild rice, carrots, walnuts and pecans. 

 

●       Give the body’s digestive enzymes extra support. Digestive enzymes are the behind-the-scenes heroes that help break down food into nutrients the body can actually use. But if the body’s digestive enzymes are overwhelmed by a large holiday meal, undigested food may just sit in the gut. That food becomes fuel for gas-producing bacteria, leading to bloating, pressure and discomfort. A simple way to get back on track is EZZDAY Debloat and Gas Relief, which combines probiotics, digestive enzymes and stress-regulating adaptogens for a total digestive reset.

 

●        Balance the bubbly. Champagne and other carbonated drinks add gas to the GI tract, which may intensify bloating. Balance a holiday toast with water. Hydration supports digestion. Bonus: Water helps offset salt- and carb-heavy meals.

 

●        Walk it off. A short walk after meals helps the body digest food more efficiently, while also helping to reduce bloating and lower stress. Evening strolls can also support better sleep and help prevent holiday weight creep.

 

●        Post-holiday TLC can help restore gut balance. Strict liquid diets aren’t always necessary for a great detox. Some gentle plant-based ingredients help flush toxins, promote regularity, and support metabolism (energy) and weight management. An easy way to help manage gut discomfort is EZZDAY Colon Detox capsules, which contain trusted botanicals such as senna leaf, milk thistle, dandelion, aloe, cranberry and cascara sagrada to naturally help cleanse, soothe and reset the digestive system.

 

Many people experience that “never eating again” moment after a big holiday meal. But every plate is a fresh start. With a few mindful swaps and digestive-friendly habits, it is possible to enjoy the season’s flavors without the discomfort. Find more wellness ideas and strategies for the holidays and throughout the year at EZZDAY.com.

 

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