The Holiday Rush: A Gentle Reminder to Slow Down and Embrace the Season
I’ll be honest: I’m already feeling overwhelmed with everything going on in my daily life, and the thought of adding the holidays to the mix has thrown me over the edge. There’s a constant tug-of-war between all the things I have to do, all the things I want to do, and the looming sense that I’ll never catch up.
It hit me hard this week—I needed to stop and come up with a plan before I completely lost it. I realized I was teetering on the edge of burnout, and the last thing I wanted was for the season to pass in a blur of stress and exhaustion.
So, I paused. I took a deep breath and reeled myself back in. I reminded myself that the holidays are just a short season, and I have the power to approach them differently. I don’t want to miss the joy and magic happening right in front of me because I’m too caught up in chasing perfection.
Instead, I decided to focus on staying present and cherishing the moments that truly matter. Here’s what I’ve learned (or re-learned) in the process:
- Prioritize Rest and Maintain a Routine. Adequate sleep is essential for clearing brain fog and boosting energy levels. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule helps me feel more grounded and ready to tackle each day.
- Embrace Imperfection. The perfect holiday doesn’t exist. Gifts don’t have to be flawless; it’s the thought and heart behind them that matter. Bows don’t need to be fancy ribbons, and decorations don’t have to adorn every room or be perfectly arranged. This season isn’t about perfection; it’s about enjoying the magic of friends, family, and the beauty around us.
- Maintain a Balanced Routine. I love indulging in holiday treats and special foods—they’re part of the joy of the season. At the same time, I want to avoid feeling sluggish or overwhelmed by weight gain come January. To find balance, I stay consistent with my exercise routine, include healthy meals, and savor indulgences in moderation. It’s about enjoying the season without overindulging to the point of regret.
- Seek Daily Sunlight Exposure. Spending time outdoors each day, even for a few minutes, helps lift my mood and keeps me balanced during this busy season. Morning sunlight exposure plays a crucial role in regulating our sleep-wake cycle and maintaining a balanced circadian rhythm.
- Identify What Truly Matters. Instead of trying to do it all, I sit down and write out the things that feel most important to accomplish during the holidays. Journaling with pen and paper helps me clear my thoughts and focus on my priorities. Once I have my list, I take a moment to prioritize it, placing a question mark next to anything that could wait until after the holidays. This reminds me that there’s no right or wrong answer—it’s about focusing on what brings joy and letting go of unnecessary stress.
- Review and Adjust Daily. Each morning, I reread my daily list. This helps me set my day up for success by letting go of what doesn’t need to happen right now and focusing on what I can accomplish. It’s a small, intentional step that helps me stay on track without feeling overwhelmed.
- Don’t Forget to Breathe. It’s amazing how much focusing on your breath can calm you. Right now, stop and breathe in slowly for a count of three, then exhale for a count of three. Repeat this three times. How do you feel? Calmer? Clearer thoughts? Ready to tackle the day? Incorporating simple breathing exercises can significantly reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Healthline
If you’re feeling like I did—on the verge of being overwhelmed—I encourage you to pause, breathe, and reflect. What’s truly important to you? What can you let go of? How can you create a plan that feels good to your heart?
This season is meant to be savored, not survived. Let’s commit to finding joy in the small moments and cherishing what’s in front of us. After all, isn’t that what this time of year is really about?
What’s one thing you’re doing to stay grounded during the holidays? I’d love to hear your thoughts. ❤️
