Holiday Stress Is Real: Coping Skills to Keep You Grounded
The holidays are supposed to feel magical with cozy lights, full tables, laughter, right?
The reality of it all is that they are often filled with travel, money stress, emotional expectations, and way too many “we should” moments.
You should feel festive.
You should want to attend every event.
You should feel grateful all the time.
Except… sometimes you just don’t.
If you feel more tense than joyful, that doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong; it means you’re human and these are UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS that are burning you out!
When “Merry and Bright” Feels More Like “Tired and Overwhelmed”
Our culture tends to package the holidays as pure joy, but for many people, this season brings pressure. There are pressures to host perfectly, give generously, show up socially, and look like you’re enjoying every second.
Your nervous system feels that pressure, even if your mind tells you to power through. When your brain senses too much on your plate, it moves into survival mode. That’s why you might notice:
Irritability that feels out of character.
Fatigue, even after sleeping in.
Tightness in your chest or jaw.
That restless “buzz” you can’t quite shake.
GUESS WHAT?! You’re not lazy, ungrateful, or broken. You’re overstimulated and your mind and body are asking for space to breathe.
Why Slowing Down Helps (Even When You Don’t Think You Have Time)
When stress ramps up, most people try to outrun it by finishing the list, wrapping one more gift, attending one more event. Unfortunately, regulation doesn’t happen through pushing; it happens through pausing.
A few seconds of presence can reset your nervous system faster than you think.
Try this simple grounding check-in:
🕯️ See something near you and notice its color and shape.
🤲 Touch what’s in your hands and feel the texture or temperature.
💨 Exhale slowly, longer than your inhale.
That’s it. You just reminded your brain: I’m safe right now.
Create Pockets of Calm, Not Perfect Days
We often think peace means big changes such as canceling plans, escaping somewhere quiet, starting over. However, most of the time, it’s about tiny resets tucked into ordinary moments.
Take a walk alone after dinner.
Drive with music and no destination.
Step outside and feel the cold air on your face.
Sit in silence after everyone leaves and just breathe.
Those small pauses aren’t indulgent; they’re protective. They give your body time to process all the noise, smells, emotions, and expectations swirling around you.
If you think about it, the most peaceful moments during the holidays usually aren’t the loudest — they’re the quiet ones. The soft laughter after everyone’s full. The glow of the lights when the house finally settles. The gratitude you feel for a simple, ordinary moment.
A Gentle Reminder
You don’t have to earn rest. You don’t have to prove joy.
You can love your people and still need a break from them.
You can participate and still say no to what drains you.
That’s what it means to honor your limits.
So if this season feels heavier than you hoped, you’re not alone.
If you’re struggling to find that holiday cheer because this season carries loss or grief, next week’s post is for you. We’ll explore how gratitude and grief can coexist, and why both deserve space at the same table.
Ready to go deeper?
If you’re a client interested in EMDR intensives or a therapist looking for continuing education opportunities focused on trauma, dissociation, and resourcing, visit Breaking Limitations Therapy & Consultation.
And if you’re a multi-professional or entrepreneur craving more clarity, structure, and balance, explore Breaking Limitations Coaching for on-demand courses and 1:1 Clarity & Strategy Sessions designed to help you align your work and life with what matters most.
This blog is educational and not a substitute for therapy. If you or someone you love is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please contact local emergency services or your region’s crisis line immediately.
