For the Health of It: how PT/OT can help seasonable blues

Tyler Ryan and Hima Dalal discuss how OT/PT can help with mental health issues around Christmas

Integrated Occupational Therapy for Seasonal Disorder &
Holiday Blues
At Hima Dalal Integrative Health
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and the “holiday blues” are emotional-mood challenges
that many people experience as daylight decreases and seasonal routines change. Symptoms
can range from low energy, sadness, and lack of motivation to increased irritability or changes
in sleep and appetite. Recognizing that these experiences affect the whole person — physically,
emotionally, mentally, and energetically — Hima Dalal Integrative Health offers a
compassionate integrated occupational therapy approach designed to support meaningful
daily functioning and overall wellness.
�� What Is Integrated Occupational Therapy?
At Hima Dalal Integrative Health, integrated occupational therapy goes beyond conventional
treatment to blend traditional occupational therapy foundations with holistic and
complementary practices. This integration supports clients in managing mood, routines, daily
roles, and emotional balance — especially during seasonal transitions and high-stress holiday
periods. Hima Dalal

�� How This Approach Helps With Seasonal Moo
Challenges
�� 1. Whole-Person Assessment & Personalized Planning
As a seasoned integrative occupational therapist, Hima Dalal assesses each individual’s
lifestyle, routines, stressors, goals, and energy patterns. Based on this, she creates a
personalized therapeutic plan that supports improved mood, daily engagement, therapeutic
Exercise plan and functional quality of life. Hima Dalal
�� 2. Mind-Body-Energy Practices
To uplift mood and enhance emotional regulation during darker months or busy holiday
seasons, the program may include:
● Reiki and energy balancing, supporting relaxation and release of emotional tension
● Meditation & breathwork, to reduce stress and foster emotional clarity
● Therapeutic yoga or movement, to increase endorphins and reduce fatigue

These modalities help regulate the nervous system, reduce stress reactions, and
support a more grounded sense of well-being. Hima Dalal
�� 3. Daily Routine & Habit Strategies
Occupational therapy helps you create structured, meaningful routines that:
● Establish consistent sleep and activity schedules
● Encourage light exposure and purposeful movement
● Support engagement in holiday activities in ways that feel energizing, not overwhelming
These strategies are especially helpful in combating the low energy and disrupted
rhythms common in seasonal mood shifts. (Integrative approaches to SAD include
lifestyle and routine adjustments known to help mood regulation.) integrativerd.org
�� 4. Emotional Balance & Coping Tools
Understanding the emotional impact of seasonal shifts and holiday pressures, the holistic
approach provides tools that may include:
● Mindfulness and grounding exercises
● Cognitive reframing and stress reduction techniques
● Energy healing to release emotional blockages
This supports clients in feeling more resilient and emotionally centered — beyond just
symptom relief. Hima Dalal
● Resources Integrative occupational therapy also helps you find the community resources
to engage in meaningful activity and recreational activity during the holidays

�� The Holistic Philosophy Behind the Approach
Hima Dalal’s practice reflects a holistic integrative philosophy — one that blends traditional
Occupational Therapy with complementary healing modalities to treat the root causes of
distress, not just symptoms. This means caring for:
✨ Physical function and daily engagement
✨ Emotional regulation and mental clarity
✨ Energetic balance and spiritual well-being
✨ Lifestyle and wellness habits that support lifelong resilience
Rather than treating a condition in isolation, this approach helps people live fully and
meaningfully throughout all seasons — even during the challenging winter months or intense
holiday period. Hima Dalal

�� Who Can Benefit?
This integrated occupational therapy approach is suitable for people experiencing:
● Seasonal mood shifts or Seasonal Affective Disorder symptoms
● Increased stress or overwhelm around holidays
● Disrupted routines or low energy during shorter daylight months
● Challenges maintaining daily roles and meaningful activities
By blending evidence-based occupational therapy with holistic energy, movement, and
mindfulness practices, the therapy supports lasting emotional well-being and improved
everyday function.
Contact :
Hima Dalal @
www.himadalalintegrativehealth.com