1. Choose Moments, Not Perfection

Permit yourself to let go of the “ideal holiday.” Instead, focus on one or two small moments that matter: sharing a meal, taking a walk, or enjoying a quiet break. These intentional pauses can restore more than an entire to-do list.

2. Schedule “White Space”

Your calendar fills quickly this time of year. Try blocking out short, non-negotiable pockets of time just for rest. Ten minutes of breathing room can reset your day and help regulate stress.

3. Notice Emotional Weather

Emotions during the holidays often shift like winter skies. Practice checking in with yourself: What do I need right now? Connection? Quiet? Movement? Support? Naming your needs is the first step in meeting them.

4. Redefine Connection

If gatherings feel large or overwhelming, consider connecting in ways that feel right for you: a phone call instead of a party, a walk with one friend, or a short visit rather than a long event.

5. Protect Your Energy

It’s okay to excuse yourself from conversations or environments that feel heavy. Set gentle boundaries, “I’d love to continue this later,” or “I need a quick break.” Protecting your well-being is an act of self-care, not selfishness.

6. Create a Ritual of Calm

Choose a simple grounding habit to signal rest—lighting a candle, writing a one-sentence reflection each evening, or enjoying a warm drink before bed. Rituals help anchor us amid holiday unpredictability.

7. Extend Grace—To Yourself and Others

This season can amplify loneliness, grief, or anxiety. Small acts of compassion, a check-in text, an extra thank-you, patience with yourself—can shift someone’s entire day.

8. Ask for Help Early

If stress, sadness, or anxiety start to feel heavy, reach out. Supportive conversations, professional or personal, are often the first step in preventing overwhelm.