Ah, the holidays—a magical time filled with twinkling lights, carols, and just a sprinkle of chaos (I know I can’t be alone here.) Between gift shopping, holiday parties, kiddos events, and dodging the other pressures, it’s easy to feel like your emotional gas tank is running on empty. If you’re a busy person, busy parent or entrepreneur juggling 57 to-do lists (and trying to make everything Pinterest-perfect), you’re in the right place.
Let’s hit pause on the stress spiral and dive into three practical (and slightly humorous) tips to keep you from becoming the family Grinch.
1. Create a Daily Emotional Reset Routine (Yes, It’s Possible, Even Now!)
Picture This: You’re trying to bake cookies, sign holiday cards, and field last-minute work calls all at once. Your brain feels like it’s running a marathon while wearing snow boots. Sound familiar?
Here’s the secret: schedule tiny emotional resets throughout your day. Think of it as your holiday gift to yourself (no wrapping required).
- A few ideas:
- Take 3 deep breaths while hiding in the pantry (no judgment).
- Write down one thing you’re grateful for—like your coffee machine still working after five cups.
- Step outside, inhale some fresh air, and pretend the neighbor’s inflatable Santa is cheering you on.
A consistent check-in with your emotions resets your mental state faster than Mariah Carey’s high notes bring holiday cheer.
2. Move It or Lose It (Your Sanity, That Is)
When stress builds up, your body feels it—tight shoulders, racing heart, and the sudden urge to karate-chop an elf on the shelf. Movement is your secret weapon.
- Few ideas:
- Do a quick stretch in the kitchen while waiting for cookies to bake.
- Channel your inner yogi with a five-minute flow—child’s pose is the adult version of “timeout.”
The Science: A 2020 study revealed that just 10 minutes of light activity can lower stress hormones by 20%. So, go ahead and bust a move in your living room. Bonus points if it’s to Jingle Bell Rock.
3. Stop, Drop, and Ground Yourself
Holiday overload can make you feel like you’re spinning in 10 different directions (while carrying a tray of hot cocoa). Grounding techniques can snap you back to reality faster than your toddler unwrapping presents too early.
- Try This: The 5-4-3-2-1 Method
- 5 things you see
- 4 things you can touch
- 3 things you hear
- 2 things you can smell
- 1 thing you can taste
Why It’s Magic: This simple practice anchors you to the present moment, away from the swirling tornado of tasks. (No, you don’t have to add “calm down” to your list; this takes just a minute.)
BONUS: Use the acronym STOP (S for Stop and pause really stop, T for take a few big deep breaths as least 3 *try box breathing* O for observe just get curious validate emotions and choose a better emotional response you have then P for practice it then proceed.)
Holiday Survival Bonus: For Parents, Co-Regulate Like a Pro
Your kids will have meltdowns. When they lose their cool, you can guide them back to calmness by validating their feelings and keeping your tone even (yes, even when they’re screaming about wearing matching holiday pajamas).
Pro Parent Hack: After co-regulating, take your own emotional timeout. Hide in the laundry room for a moment or two I like to let my kids know: ” I am going to take a minute or two to calm down, if you need to come with me we will take some deep breaths, or journal emotions, or take a walk outside.” A calm parent is the ultimate holiday gift to your family. Noone is asking us to be perfect. Noone is.
The Gift of Emotional Balance
The holiday season doesn’t have to leave you feeling like a tangled string of lights. With a daily reset routine, a little movement, and grounding techniques, you can keep your spark alive and even find joy amidst the chaos.
So, as you juggle cookies, client meetings, and those unexpected visit, remember: you’re not alone in the holiday hustle. Take a deep breath, laugh at the little moments, and give yourself the grace to embrace imperfection.
Because at the end of the day, the greatest gift you can give your family (and yourself) is your peace of mind—and maybe a few non-burnt cookies. (I know I will have a couple, and I have learned with practice how to embrace them.)
Happy Holidays from my family to you and your family!