The holiday season, filled with love, connection, and celebration, can also bring a unique set of challenges that leave us feeling drained and overwhelmed. Between family gatherings, shopping, planning, and even moments of reflection on the year past, it’s easy to lose touch with ourselves and let stress creep in. Especially when so many people are struggling financially!
Here’s how you can approach the holidays with compassion and self-care, helping you keep your energy in balance and respond gently to any triggers that may arise. Also, exploring the idea of saying no to many invites that costs ridiculous amounts of money. I always say that the best things in life never cost a thing!
1. Start With Grounding Practices
Holidays can pull us in different directions, so grounding ourselves daily is essential. Here’s a simple grounding ritual to start each morning:
Take a few deep breaths when you wake. Sit up in the bed. Focus on your breath as it moves in and out, connecting you to the present moment. Notice any emotions coming up or erratic thoughts. Then let it go. Decide what kind of day you are going to have. If you have time, meditate for 10-15 minutes. No music, no noise. Just you and your breathe.
Visualize roots growing from your feet. Imagine roots reaching deep into the earth, giving you stability and a strong foundation. Literally. If you can go outside that is even better!
Set an intention. Reflect on what you want to embody that day: peace, patience, love. This intention will help you stay anchored, even when things get hectic.
By grounding yourself, you’ll feel more centered, less reactive, and better prepared to respond to the demands of the day.
2. Manage Expectations and Give Yourself Permission to Say No
Holiday expectations — both from others and ourselves — can be a major source of stress. To protect your energy, set boundaries that align with your well-being. Remember:
You don’t have to attend every event. Give yourself permission to decline invitations that feel overwhelming or don’t align with your needs.
Limit time with people who drain you. Spend more time with those who lift you up and less with those who bring tension.
Communicate your needs. It’s okay to express your boundaries openly and with kindness. If someone is disappointed, know that it’s not a reflection of your worth.
3. Recognize and Acknowledge Triggers
Holiday gatherings can sometimes bring up old wounds, memories, or relationship dynamics that don’t serve us. Here’s a gentle approach to handling these:
Identify your triggers ahead of time. Knowing what situations or interactions might bring up uncomfortable feelings can help you prepare. Decide you will leave early if people are rude and are disrespectful. Decide to take bathroom breaks for 5 minute breathe moments and gathering your energy.
Observe, don’t absorb. When something triggers you, acknowledge the feeling without judging yourself. Practice viewing the emotion from a distance, reminding yourself that you don’t have to absorb the energy of others.
Practice forgiveness — for yourself and others. Even if you’re not ready to forgive certain people, showing yourself compassion and understanding goes a long way in releasing emotional tension. Remember you are human and doing the best you can right now. Have grace for yourself. Don't get angry at yourself if you do get triggered. It happens!
4. Embrace Small Self-Care Rituals
Holidays can feel busy, but integrating small moments of self-care is a powerful way to stay balanced. Here are a few ideas:
Daily breathwork: Taking just five minutes to breathe deeply can bring a sense of calm.
Gratitude journaling: Reflecting on even one thing you’re grateful for each day can shift your energy and invite a sense of peace.
Journal heavy emotions and write letters to people who you have heavy energy with to help clear some of it. It works!!!
Move your body: Whether it’s a walk, stretching, or dancing to your favorite song, movement helps release stress, tension and resets your energy.
5. Visualize a Protective Energy Shield-
If gatherings or holiday crowds feel intense, try this visualization:
Imagine a bubble of light surrounding you. Picture yourself in a protective bubble filled with warm, comforting light. Pick a color and ask for that color to move through your force field and that it needs to keep your shielded and heart open. This bubble is an energetic boundary, keeping negative energies from entering your space.
Set an intention for protection. Silently affirm, “I am protected and grounded. I do not consent to any outside negative forces or energies whatsoever. Only positive energy may enter my space.”
6. Give Yourself the Gift of Compassion
Perhaps the greatest gift you can give yourself this season is self-compassion. No holiday is perfect, and no one expects you to handle everything flawlessly. When triggers arise, or when you feel your energy dipping, remind yourself that it’s okay to feel this way. You’re human, and this season, allow that humanity to guide you to gentleness and self-love.
In wrapping up this ever so busy time of year....
This holiday season, remember that your energy and well-being are valuable. You are valuable. By approaching the holidays with groundedness, setting boundaries, and embracing self-compassion, you can preserve your energy and create meaningful, joyful experiences. Let this season be one of growth, balance, and peace.
Hope this resonates with you as you prepare for a grounded and empowering holiday season!
Love ya,
Joann
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