EPISODE 121 - How Gratitude Rewires Your Brain for Happiness, Calm, and Emotional Strength During the Holiday Season

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The holiday season is often painted as joyful and full of gratitude. But for many, it can also stir up grief, loneliness, stress, and memories we’d rather avoid.

In this episode of The Mental Health Janitors, Sergeant Q and Doc Jess explore what gratitude really looks like when the holidays feel heavy.

Through honest reflections and lived experiences, they unpack how gratitude can become a steady anchor during emotionally charged seasons, without forcing positivity or dismissing pain.

Rather than offering quick fixes, the conversation dives into how intentional reframing and small, meaningful moments can quietly shift how we process stress, loss, and relational strain.

With insights drawn from science, psychology, and faith, they begin to reveal why gratitude isn’t just a feeling, but something that can be practiced and strengthened over time.

Tune in now! Rethink gratitude during the holidays, not as an obligation, but as a tool for grounding, clarity, and emotional resilience. What that looks like, and how to start, is something you’ll want to hear for yourself.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome to The Mental Health Janitors
02:36 – We’re Grateful for How Far We’ve Come This Christmas
15:05 – The First Christmas Without Doc Jess’ Family
19:11 – The Heartwarming Gift of Hardship
26:51 – Three Things a Day That Can Calm Your Mindset
30:00 – The 357 Method for Finding the Good in Hard Moments
34:15 – 2026 Full Deck Cards for Growth and Resilience

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