“I’ll be home for Christmas”

“I’ll be home for Christmas” is a popular tune this time of year. There is an expectation and anticipation to be near family that can be both exciting and stressful. Families are complicated and there can be many conflicting feelings. You can be exposed to relatives you have avoided throughout the year bringing up or creating new memories that hurt. It can be a time that highlights change ranging from the first holiday without a special someone to new faces and relationships. It also interjects the things that remain the same which can be positive, negative or neutral. Even our physical health faces challenges. Cold and flu season, shorter days, change in diet and increased stress create a “perfect storm” for holiday stress, illness, and family conflicts.

But how can you manage this time of year better? It starts with setting your expectations and being aware of the reality of both the good and bad within your family. Ask yourself a few questions— Who am I doing this for? Is it worth it? Do I REALLY need to do this? Once you set your expectations, make changes to control what you can actually change. You can’t expect other’s to do what you want, you can only make changes for yourself that will help you get through. So letting go of wishful thinking and taking on what you can manage will make a difference in how you experience this holiday.

Here are some tips to manage holiday stress:

1. Know your limits

2. Make plans and try to stick to them

3. Practice different ways of saying NO

4. Plan your spending

5. Create your safe space

6. Plan your breaks

7. Keep up with your healthy habits

8. Share your feelings and connect with people you feel safe with

9. Try to understand and be open to the perspective of others

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Wet Dreamz Podcast

Episode 17

“Pregnancy and Intimacy: How to Keep the Spark Alive”

🍼 Episode Highlights:

1. Nurturing Both Partners: Discover the importance of not just preparing for the baby but also nurturing your relationship. Jose and Brad talk about continuing date nights and "baby moons" to keep the spark alive.

2. Complacency in the Second Trimester: Learn how to prevent complacency when morning sickness subsides, making deliberate efforts to maintain your connection.

3. Communication is Key: This recurring theme can't be stressed enough. Weekly relationship conversations, according to Brad, can provide a solid foundation for expecting couples.

4. Support Systems for Dads: Jose suggests that expecting fathers seek out friends or mentors who can offer advice and support, sharing their own experiences.

5. Creative Sexual Intimacy: As physical discomfort increases in the third trimester, creative solutions for intimacy become necessary. The hosts also debunk myths about harming the baby during sex.

6. Postpartum Realities: Navigate the postpartum phase with insights on supporting your partner during recovery and managing new household dynamics.

In our Wet Dreamz podcast our experienced sex therapists discuss all the taboo topics surrounding men's sexuality and give men the tools to improve themselves and their sexual health. Click the picture below to view our podcast!

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Happy Holidays!!