Stress During the Holidays?

Are you excited for this time of year or does the thought of the holiday hustle and bustle give you a sense of panic?

There is no doubt that the holidays can be stressful. Why does it have to be that way? Societal pressures, self-induced expectations, family drama, yada yada. Many things contribute to these feelings. While I can’t make all of it disappear, I do have some ideas on how to help you feel a little more of the magic.

Nourish yourself well, but don’t worry about perfectly “staying on track.” Staying hydrated, getting in your sleep, and fueling yourself with well are simple ways you can feel mentally better throughout the season. With that said, you don’t need to put too much pressure on yourself. Your routine is going to be turned upside down more than once this month. Expecting to maintain all of your “things” may be unrealistic and could lead to feelings of failure and disappointment. Put your energy in setting a few boundaries and let go of the rest. Some great examples are:

• Drink your water every day.
• Prioritize protein on your plate first, then let the rest fly as it may. 
• Commit to moving your body intentionally at least 3-4 times a week. That could be a class at THE BAR, one of our home workouts, or simply stretching or walking.

Lean into the Season. There is concept of seasons that can apply to any job, dream, and even time of year. (And I don’t mean spring, summer, fall winter lol 😜) Planting > Growth > Harvest > Rest. In my mind winter is a season of rest. We do less, want to be home more, and if we allow ourselves to embrace that, we get a natural reset so we can enter into next season strong. My proposition is to lean in to the rest and allow yourself to enjoy the moments, slow down and embrace the comfort of family and tradition. Whether it is food, or staying in your jammies all day watching movies on the couch, or hi tailing it out of here to a place with a beach, these moments are meant to be part of the natural cycle of the year. Our body and mind both get some well deserved rest and change of pace. Fighting it or giving into those self inflicted feelings of guilt only takes away from the next phase of the cycle. 

Reflect and move forward. The end of the year is always a good time to reflect positively and create some new intentions. There is no point of regret or dwelling on the past, so when you do look back, look back on the growth you have made this year. The creation that you have built which is you from the beginning of 2025 to the end.

What are you so proud of? 

What have you surprised yourself with? 

What did you not expect from this year that were happy wins or accidents? Who do you want to keep becoming? 

What do you want to take with you?

You see, the magic of the season can be as simple as celebrating what truly matters most, and putting yourself fully in it. Indulging in the relationships that keep you going, your faith, the year you have had, and simply settling in to the life you have planted, grew and harvested in 2025. The glittering lights, Christmas carols, cookies, and snuggly cozy vibes just make it all the better. ❤️🎄