12/11/2025
The holidays bring light, laughter, and connection, — but also pressure, packed calendars, and emotional fatigue. According to the American Psychological Association, 38% of people say their stress increases during the holidays, and many report sleep disruptions and changes in mood.
From financial strain to disrupted routines and grief, this season can easily shift from joyful to stressful. The key isn’t to avoid the chaos, but to create steady moments within it.
Practical ways to stay grounded during the holidays:
🕯 Protect the Basics
Try to maintain your core routines — regular sleep, balanced meals, hydration, and movement — even if timing shifts.
📅 Schedule Quiet Moments
Treat rest like an appointment. Add 10–15 minutes a day to decompress — read, journal, stretch, or breathe deeply.
📱 Set Boundaries with Social Media
Holiday comparisons can amplify stress. Limit scrolling or follow accounts that bring peace rather than pressure.
💬 Ask for Help
Delegate tasks, communicate needs, and remind yourself that “no” is a complete sentence. The holidays don’t have to be perfect to be peaceful.
Sometimes balance looks like leaving a little space in your calendar, protecting your rest, and letting go of expectations. Give yourself the same care you offer others — that’s a holiday tradition worth keeping.
