This is Whole Minds Healthy Bodies the podcast. A 360 Health initiative from Aetna exclusively for you...the MTA...where the goal is improving your total health and wellbeing....

Episode Overview:

In this thoughtful and uplifting episode, host James Francis sits down with mindfulness educator and author Raditia Lasry to explore practical strategies for managing stress during the holidays. Together, they discuss how the season can bring both joy and pressure—from long shifts to family expectations, grief, and perfectionism.

Raditia offers guidance on how MTA employees can create moments of calm and connection, even while working through the busiest time of year. Whether you're coping with loss, navigating difficult emotions, or just trying to stay grounded, this episode offers simple, accessible practices—like mindful breathing, gratitude, and community connection—to help you protect your peace and prioritize your wellbeing.

Key Takeaways:

• Decorating your workspace, sharing snacks, and playing uplifting music can create a lighter, more joyful holiday atmosphere at work.
• Mindful eating and healthy snack choices (like carrots or celery) can reduce stress and support energy levels.
• Staying hydrated—especially with water—is one of the simplest ways to support focus and wellbeing.
• Coping with grief during the holidays starts with honoring those who are no longer with us—bringing their memory into the present moment through stories or symbols.
• Perfection during the holidays is an illusion—focusing on presence over performance leads to more meaningful moments.
• The breath is your most powerful tool: one conscious inhale and exhale can bring you back to center at any time.
• Small habits, like breathwork and checking in with yourself, help build long-term resilience and inner calm.

Sound Bites:

• “The breath is your lifeline—it’s always with you.”
• “Bring joy to your space, even at work—decorate, share snacks, play music.”
• “Let go of perfect—focus on presence, not performance.”
• “Start with one deep breath—that’s always my go-to.”

Meet the Guest:

Raditia Lasry is a mindfulness educator, yoga instructor, and author. With a background in corporate business and over two decades of professional experience, Raditia has led workshops on mindfulness, emotional awareness, and creative expression in settings ranging from corporations to schools. She draws on her training in meditation, yoga, and the arts to help people of all backgrounds find balance, agency, and deeper connection in their daily lives.

This episode is made in partnership with Balancing Life’s Issues.

Whole Minds Healthy Bodies - https://wholeandhealthy.website

Balancing Life's Issues - https://balancinglifesissues.com/podcast-bli/

Don’t forget! You can visit wholeandhealthy.website for free access to incredible content created by experts. Podcasts, webinars, and reading materials on topics like sleep, inner peace, nutrition, and meditation. Exclusively for you the MTA.