Enter your safe love bubble and stay there!
Peace is supposed to be the reason for the season, but often it can feel chaotic. We tend to overbook ourselves and set unrealistic expectations about what can be done. This pressure can impact our emotions and deplete us of our time and cheery disposition. Finding peace of mind is possible if we take the proper steps.
Here are 4 ways to help ease your holiday stress.

PRACTICE SELF-CARE
There are ways to eliminate tension during the holidays. When you feel stress levels rise, pause, breathe, and relax. Ensure you are getting sufficient rest. The increased demands can wear you down, and a good night’s sleep can rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. Build in time for de-stressing activities — get a massage, head to the gym, play a game with the kids, or watch a movie with your best friend.

UNDERSTAND HOW YOU FEEL AND RESPOND APPROPRIATELY
Be mindful of your feelings. Take notice when you feel anxious or sad. Step back and determine what’s causing these shifts in mindset. If it’s in your control, remove the behavior that triggers the negativity. If you can’t shake the angst and continue in a downward spiral, consider reaching out to a trusted friend to discuss ways to reframe to feel lighter.

KNOW WHAT THE HOLIDAYS MEAN TO YOU
Focus on what matters to you most and place your energy into that. Consider what you love about the holidays and what means the most to you during the holiday season. Are you passionate about family gatherings and turkey traditions? Do you enjoy shopping for gifts and giving them to loved ones? Do you want to reconnect with certain people or your faith? Know what the holidays mean to you.

BE PRESENT
The holidays are a time to rejoice and be mindful of all your blessings. Build in time during and after all the gatherings to feel gratitude for quality connections with loved ones. It’s been a long three months, and you deserve a pat on the back. Find something you enjoy when the holidays are behind you and make it happen. Relax, sit on the porch, go for a walk or take a nap.
Happy Holidays, and remember to give grace to yourself by recognizing that holiday events may not play out exactly how you envisioned them to, but they’re still special experiences filled with connection and reasons to feel grateful.
RESOURCES + TOOLS
- Holidays on Ice – a book by David Sedaris
- Nantucket White Christmas – a book by Pamela Kelly
- Happyish Holidays: Our Top 3 Hacks for Hard Holidays” from the We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle podcast