3 Tips to Feel More Joyous and At Ease With Your Loved Ones This Holiday Season
3 Tips to Feel More Joyous and At Ease With Your Loved Ones This Holiday Season
The holidays are a time of joy, connection, and celebration—but let’s be real, they can also bring up stress, overwhelm, and emotional triggers. For many of us, the mix of packed schedules, family dynamics, and heightened expectations can leave us feeling on edge.
You might notice yourself snapping at your kids, feeling irritated with your partner, or losing patience with family members who think or act differently than you. It’s not that you want to react this way—in fact, you probably wish you could show up feeling peaceful and present.
I’ve been there too. For years, I let holiday stress pile up and found myself taking it out on the people I care about most. But one year, I finally decided to make a change. I started putting myself first, and everything shifted. Now, I’m able to navigate the holidays with more joy, ease, and connection—and I want the same for you.
Here are three tips to help you feel more grounded, empowered, and at ease this holiday season:
1. Practice Selfish-Care
We often think self-care is selfish, especially during the holidays when we’re so focused on giving to others. But the truth is, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking intentional time for yourself not only helps you feel more balanced, but it also allows you to show up more fully for your loved ones.
Here are a few simple ways to prioritize yourself:
Start your mornings with intention. Wake up a little earlier than everyone else and use that quiet time to sip your coffee, sit in silence, or visualize how you want your day to go.
Treat yourself while shopping for others. Buy yourself something special—whether it’s a new book, cozy slippers, or your favorite holiday treat.
Schedule downtime. Book a massage, take a long bath, or carve out time for a walk in nature before hosting a big event. These moments of calm can make all the difference.
Pause to just be. Give yourself permission to step back from the busyness of the season and simply breathe.
When you put yourself first, you’re not neglecting others—you’re ensuring that you can show up for them with more love and patience.
2. Regulate Your Nervous System
During the holidays, many of us live in a constant state of stress. We’re rushing from one task to the next, our to-do lists never seem to end, and we’ve convinced ourselves that operating in “high gear” is the only way to get it all done.
But the reality is, staying in a high-stress state leaves your body unregulated, making you more likely to feel sick, exhausted, or burnt out. A dysregulated nervous system also makes it harder to respond calmly to emotional triggers, which can strain your relationships.
The more calm and centered you feel, the more energy you’ll have to tackle your responsibilities and enjoy the season. Here’s how to regulate your nervous system:
Ground your energy. Spend time outside, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Stand barefoot on the ground or lean against a tree to reconnect with the earth.
Breathe intentionally. When you feel overwhelmed, take three slow, deep breaths. Inhale for a count of four, hold for four, and exhale for four. This simple practice can quickly shift your state.
Find stillness. Give yourself permission to pause during the day. Close your eyes, take a few breaths, and simply focus on the present moment.
By regulating your nervous system, you’ll feel more balanced, less reactive, and better equipped to handle whatever comes your way.
3. Focus Your Mindset
How you interpret situations has a powerful impact on how you feel. When family members say or do things that trigger you, it’s easy to get caught up in frustration or resentment. But shifting your mindset can help you feel more empowered and at ease.
Here are some ways to cultivate a positive mindset:
Look for the positive. Instead of focusing on what’s going wrong, find the silver lining in the situation. Gratitude can go a long way in shifting your perspective.
Reframe challenges. Ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?” or “How can this help me grow?” Seeing challenges as opportunities can help you respond with more grace.
Remember that everyone is doing their best. Even when people’s behavior feels frustrating or hurtful, try to recognize that they’re operating with the resources and experiences they have.
Use empowering tools. Techniques like Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Mental and Emotional Release® (MER), and hypnosis can help you shift limiting beliefs and develop a growth mindset.
When you focus on what you can control—your thoughts, feelings, and responses—you empower yourself to create a more peaceful and joyful experience.
Bringing It All Together
The holidays don’t have to leave you feeling stressed and depleted. By practicing selfish-care, regulating your nervous system, and shifting your mindset, you can navigate this season with more ease and joy.
Remember, it’s not about perfection—it’s about progress. The more you prioritize your well-being, the more you’ll be able to show up as your best self for the people you love.
If you’re ready to take it a step further, consider starting therapy with one of our SABI-trained therapists. Together, we can help you feel more grounded, connected, and empowered—this holiday season and beyond.
Send us a message today to begin your journey.
