Holiday Overwhelm: How to Stay Calm and Present This Festive Season
The festive season is meant to be a time of joy, family, and celebration—but for many of us, it can feel more like a pressure cooker of stress and overwhelm. From endless to-do lists and navigating family dynamics to the pressure of making everything perfect for the children, the holidays can easily become overwhelming.
Whether you're juggling the stress of shopping, dealing with crowded shops, or managing unrealistic expectations of having the perfect holiday experience, it's easy to feel like you're constantly running on empty. But here's the good news: You don’t have to stay stuck in the holiday chaos. With a few simple techniques and a shift in mindset, you can embrace the festive season with a sense of calm and presence, rather than stress and overwhelm.
Why the Holidays Can Feel So Overwhelming
Scientific research shows that the holiday season can trigger higher levels of stress and anxiety due to a combination of factors. A study published in Psychology Today highlighted that for many individuals, the pressure to meet social, family, and work expectations can lead to an increase in cortisol, the stress hormone. This, combined with disrupted routines, overspending, and unrealistic expectations, can quickly add up to a feeling of burnout.
The increased demands on our time and energy can trigger what’s known as “decision fatigue,” where constant decision-making, from gift buying to meal planning, leads to mental exhaustion. Additionally, many mums face the added emotional burden of wanting everything to be perfect for their children, which amplifies the pressure.
Mindfulness to the Rescue: A Simple Hack for Holiday Overwhelm
One powerful tool to combat holiday overwhelm is mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of focusing your attention on the present moment, which helps you let go of anxious thoughts and bring yourself back to a sense of calm.
Here’s a simple mindfulness exercise to try when you start feeling overwhelmed during the holidays:
The 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique
Look around and name 5 things you can see—this helps you tune in to your surroundings and break the cycle of overwhelming thoughts.
Touch 4 things you can feel—whether it’s the texture of your clothes or the surface under your hand, this helps you reconnect to your physical body.
Listen for 3 things you can hear—tuning into sounds around you, such as distant conversations or background music, can help you shift your focus.
Notice 2 things you can smell—pause and take in the scents of the season. Whether it's the smell of a warm drink or fresh air, grounding your senses in the present moment can help ease stress.
Take a deep breath and notice 1 thing you can taste—even if it’s just the lingering taste of a cup of tea, this act of tasting will bring you into the moment.
This exercise helps you regain focus and bring your attention back to the present, allowing you to step away from overwhelming thoughts and re-centre yourself.
Practical Tips for Managing Holiday Overwhelm
Set Realistic Expectations
The pressure to create the "perfect" holiday can be overwhelming. Instead, aim for meaningful moments, not perfection. Let go of the notion that everything needs to be flawless for your children to have a good time. They’ll remember the moments you shared, not the perfect decorations or gifts.
Prioritise Self-Care
It's easy to put everyone else’s needs first during the holidays, but it's crucial to take care of yourself, too. Make time for activities that help you unwind—whether that’s a hot bath, reading a book, or simply sitting quietly with a cup of tea.
Practice Saying No
With so many invitations and requests during the holiday season, it’s important to know your limits. Don’t feel pressured to say yes to every event or favour. Saying no can help protect your mental health and ensure you have the energy for what matters most.
Delegate Tasks
Share the load with family members, especially if you're feeling overwhelmed. Whether it’s getting the kids involved with holiday prep or asking your partner to take on more responsibilities, delegating tasks helps reduce your mental and physical load.
Create Calm Moments
Schedule moments of quiet time into your day, even if it’s just for 10-15 minutes. Using tools like deep breathing, mindfulness, or a short relaxation audio can help you feel more grounded and present in the moment.
The Overwhelm to Calm Package: A Simple Solution for Mums
If you’re struggling with the stress and overwhelm of the holiday season, I’ve created the Overwhelm to Calm Package: The Happy Mum Solution. This package is designed specifically for mums who need a quick, effective way to regain their calm during busy times like the holidays.
Inside, you'll find:
A 10-minute hypnotherapy audio - This quick, powerful audio will help you pause, breathe, and shift your focus from stress to calm. In just 10 minutes, you’ll clear mental clutter, regain control, and feel empowered to take on your day.
A Breathwork Tool Audio Master simple yet effective breathwork techniques that can instantly calm your nervous system. These tools are scientifically proven to help reduce stress, and I’ll show you exactly how to use them in moments when you need it the most.
A CBT-based worksheet A practical, step-by-step worksheet to help you prioritise what matters most and let go of the tasks that no longer serve you. This is your blueprint to finding balance and clarity, so you can focus on what’s truly important.
A 20-minute relaxation audio We all need time to unwind. This soothing bonus audio will guide you into deep relaxation, helping you release tension and recharge your energy.
The Overwhelm to Calm Package is a simple yet powerful way to help you reclaim a sense of calm during the festive season and beyond. By incorporating these tools into your day, you’ll be able to handle the holiday chaos with more ease, so you can enjoy the moments that truly matter.
Normally £24.99, but if you use code earlybird24, you can get it for just £19.99.
Final Thoughts
The holidays can be stressful, but they don’t have to be overwhelming. By practicing mindfulness, setting realistic expectations, and carving out moments of self-care, you can navigate this festive season with more calm and presence.
If you’re ready to take control of your holiday stress and embrace the season with a lighter heart, the Overwhelm to Calm Package is here to help. Let this be the year you finally feel grounded, calm, and able to truly enjoy the magic of the holidays.
