Stephanie Hernandez, LPC
Introduction: The holidays are here, and so is the chaos—packed schedules, family drama, and that never-ending list of things to do. It’s like a festive version of running a marathon, but instead of water stations, there are cookie platters. In addition to still working and waiting for the weekend, what if you gave yourself time to slow down and enjoy the little things?
Holiday Stress Unwrapped: Holidays can feel overwhelming with the competing demands of social commitments, family interactions, and internal pressures to meet expectations. Recognizing these sources of stress is the first step in managing them and creating a more meaningful and peaceful season.
- Societal Expectations: The pressure to create the perfect holiday—complete with picture-perfect decorations and social media-worthy moments—can quickly become overwhelming. It’s easy to feel like you’re falling short, but here’s the truth: perfection isn’t the goal. Instead, take a step back and question those societal norms. What truly matters to you this season?
- Prioritize meaningful connections with loved ones who support you. Share your feelings, ask for help when you need it, and focus on moments that bring genuine joy rather than meeting external expectations.
- Family Relationships: Holiday gatherings can be a mix of love and stress. Spending time with family is meaningful, but navigating complicated relationships, meeting expectations, and avoiding conflict can feel like walking a tightrope. The key to keeping your balance? Clear communication and healthy boundaries.
- Set limits that protect your mental well-being. Let others know what works for you, and stick to it—even if that means saying no to extra commitments. Make space for activities that recharge you, like reading or relaxing, so you can show up for family time feeling your best.
Slow down and Savor the Season
The holiday season often pulls us in so many directions with a never ending list of events, and obligations, sometimes before we know it time slips away from us. By giving us permission to slow down, we can take a moment to enjoy the magic of the season. Being mindfully peasant can help you reconnect with what matters most and give you the needed time to recharge.
Here are some tips to recover and reconnect:
- One task at a time: Multitasking can be a sure way of feeling drained, leading to stress and distractions. As challenging as it is, try and bring your attention to one full task at a time.
- Permission to unplug: Give yourself permission to incorporate mindfulness moments by giving yourself a break from technology, during meals, or quality time with friends and family.
- Breaks: Throughout your day, pause for small moments of mindfulness. Practice setting aside 15 minutes of stepping away from a computer, phone or task, taking a few deep breaths, stretching, or simply enjoying a cup of tea or coffee. Enjoy the silence.
Finding Joy in Everyday Moments
The holiday season can feel like overwhelming pressure to feel magical and happy, that sometimes getting to that can feel especially overwhelming. What if the secret to enjoying this season is to find joy in everyday moments? As a therapist, I often encourage clients to shift away from perfection, high expectations, and instead give themselves grace to find joy in little things. These little things can add up and bring an ever greater sense of fulfillment and warmth during the busiest time of the year.
Here are some tips to help you find joy in the little things:
- Notice the Details: Instead of rushing through your day, take a moment to really be present and take in your surroundings. From the soft glow of Christmas lights, a good cup of coffee, the music in the background. Whatever it is that brings you joy, sit with it, take it in, give yourself time to enjoy it.
- Embrace the simple things: The thing about finding joy in the little things, is that it doesn’t require a grand effort-just simple enjoyment. Whether it’s curling up with a good back, feeling the winter chill on your face during a walk—-allow yourself to fully embrace these moments without distractions
- Mindfulness: There is a key theme here, in order to enjoy the little things, you are challenging yourself to be mindful; it’s all about being present. The challenge is to fully submerge yourself in a task, be present, no distractions, and it will make you appreciate the small moments even more.
Conclusion:
This holiday season, slow down and focus on what truly matters. Let go of unrealistic expectations and embrace the small moments—whether it’s enjoying a quiet cup of tea or being present with loved ones. By setting boundaries, practicing mindfulness, and savoring everyday joys, you can create a more peaceful and fulfilling holiday. The magic of the season is found in simplicity, not perfection. Take time to relax, recharge, and enjoy the little things that make this time of year special.
Apps for stress reduction
Books
- The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook” by Martha Davis, Elizabeth Robbins Eshelman, and Matthew McKay:
- “Unplug: A Simple Guide to Meditation for Busy Skeptics and Modern Soul Seekers” by Suze Yalof Schwartz:
- Rising Strong: How the Ability to Reset Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brené Brown
Podcasts: