Finding calm and strength in a busy holiday season

For many South Shore families, the holiday season brings a familiar blend of celebration and stress. Packed schedules, colder days and long to-do lists can leave you feeling stretched thin. Local physical and occupational therapists from Elliott Physical Therapy say that staying grounded may be easier than it seems, thanks to subtle daily habits that nurture both mental and physical strength.

Occupational therapist Rebecca Wolongevicz, MS, OTL/R, CHT, has long seen how engaging the hands can help quiet the mind. She points to the discipline’s early roots in mental health.

“Occupational therapy found its roots alongside the mental health field in the early part of the 20th century,” she said. “The use of purposeful activity, particularly with your hands, was found to help those struggling with mental illness compared to the more common practice of confinement for sanitorium patients at that time.”

She noted that the simple rhythm of crafting or working with the hands improved “mood, self-esteem and at-times a better employment potential.” Today, that same sense of calm can come from routine tasks like gardening, crafting, or knitting.

“Using your hands for daily tasks such as cleaning, gardening or yard work, doing the dishes or a hobby such as knitting or woodwork can help give your brain a little rest time,” she said. When pain interferes, however, the effect can reverse, at times leading to “reduced mood, irritability or sometimes depression.” Thankfully, if you do find yourself struggling with arthritis, an injury, or pain, Rebecca is also a Certified Hand Therapist so she has the expertise to get your hands (and mental health) back on track.

For many residents, physical well-being becomes closely tied to emotional steadiness during the holidays. Hanover pelvic floor specialist Samantha Ostrowsky, PT, DPT hears this connection often.

“Patients talk about how they are grateful for the help in managing their pain which in turn allows greater participation in daily tasks, job duties, parenting, etc. positively impacting their mental health,” she said.

In a season defined by rush and noise, short moments of intentional breathing can offer surprising clarity. Hingham physical therapist Brian Fallon, PT, DPT calls these “mini-mediations,” small resets designed to refocus attention and reduce stress.

“An easy one is taking a slow, deep breath in and counting 1-2-3 in your head,” he said. “Slowly exhale and count 3-2-1.” Even a minute or two can help slow racing thoughts.

Others prefer a quiet moment lying on their back and lengthening their breath. “Inhale through your nose for 2-3 seconds and exhale through your mouth for 5-6 seconds,” said Hanover therapist Kevin Paulin, PT, DPT.

When time feels limited, getting outside can still offer a quick lift. Paulin suggests short walks, yard work or anything that allows for fresh air. Ostrowsky encourages focusing on a few familiar movements: “If time is limited, choose 1-3 exercises that you know will make you feel better.”

These local therapists at Elliott PT hope that you find these small practices help you to navigate the weeks ahead with a steadier mind and a stronger body. In a season defined by giving, they say taking a moment for yourself may be the gift that carries the furthest.

About Elliott Physical Therapy 

Family-owned and operated by Darryl and Patti Elliott since 2014, Elliott Physical Therapy is an outpatient orthopedic physical therapy company with nine locations in Massachusetts, including Hanover and Hingham. Focused on discovering and treating the underlying causes of injury and pain, expert clinicians at Elliott Physical Therapy use proven hands-on therapy and personalized home exercise programs to relieve your pain and improve your function. Learn more about Elliott Physical Therapy here. Appointments can be scheduled online here.