COVINGTON, Ky. — Charlotte Reed is an art therapist and founder of the community group Art Equals. According to Reed, the holidays can be a tough time of year for many. “Whether it’s just busy schedules, family interactions, deadlines…it’s winter. We’re in the Midwest where it’s gray a lot of times. A lot of people suffer from seasonal affective disorder,” she said.

Reed stressed that mental health is very important to her and should be something people actively focus on, especially at this time of year. Reed said there are many outlets that can help people in critical moments or through challenging days.

One project, though, inspires her most. She calls them holiday survival kits. Reed said the kits can be tailored to a specific person. Possible items contained could be anything from tea, hot chocolate, or even a worry stone.

“It’s almost like a place where you can just circle your thumb. It’s a sensory tactile point where you can just release some of those energies in the body,” Reed said.

Reed explained the collections are something people can create themselves or work with her to build. Ideally, the items inside should be calming. She said items like fabric work well.

“Our brains can only take in so much information at a time, so using the senses as a way to kind of pre-empt our own thoughts and feelings can be a helpful way to reconnect and reboot that computer system,” she said.

Reed said, taking a moment for yourself is what’s key.

“Go find a quiet place in the house away from everybody and give yourself a few minutes to readjust and calm down. That really can go a long way to get through this time of year,” she said.