The holidays can be a beautiful season full of connection, comfort, and moments of celebration… and, they can also bring stress, pressure, and overwhelm from increased demands, potential financial strain, and disrupted routines. 

Many of us feel pulled in multiple directions, trying to meet expectations, make plans, and keep everyone happy.

It can be easy to forget that our well-being matters too.

This week, we’re exploring practical ways to create more ease, clarity, and presence during the holidays.

You don’t need to “do it all” to have a meaningful season. Small adjustments to your mindset and habits can make a big difference in how you feel.

Release the Pressure of Perfection

Our first invitation is to release the pressure of perfectionism.

The holidays don’t need to look or feel a certain way to be meaningful.

You get to choose what matters most to you. People remember warmth, laughter, and connection — not the perfect table setting or flawlessly executed plans. 

Is there anywhere you can release the pressure of perfectionism this holiday season? 

📣 Anti-Perfectionism Affirmations

If you find yourself thinking: “Everything has to be perfect,” pause and remind yourself:

• People remember connection, not perfection

• You are allowed to rest

• The holidays do not need to look a certain way

• You can choose what matters most to you

Choosing what is important protects your emotional energy.

Maintain healthy(ish) habits

During the holidays, it’s easy for routines to get disrupted.

Sleep schedules shift, meals become irregular, and exercise or movement may fall by the wayside. 

These small changes can make stress feel heavier and make our nervous systems more reactive.

Finding a routine or two that keeps you grounded and fills your cup during the holiday season can help to ease stress. 

Remember, it’s not about perfection but more about finding something you enjoy that can support your energy, focus, or emotional balance. 

Simple practices like consistent sleep, nourishing meals, and short movement breaks can help you stay grounded and more resilient during a busy season.

3 Healthy(ish) Tips:

• Keep basic routines consistent. Even small gestures like going to bed 15 minutes earlier or having a balanced breakfast can make a difference.

• Move your body in a way that feels good. Short walks, stretching, or dancing for a few minutes can reduce stress and boost energy.

• Fuel yourself with intention. Choose foods and drinks that give you energy and stabilize your mood, and allow yourself treats without guilt.

Reflection Question: ➡️ Which habits help me feel steady and energized? And how can I prioritize them this week?

Shift Your Thinking

Under stress, our brains are more likely to generate anxious or perfectionistic thoughts, like: “I have to make everyone happy” or “Everything has to go perfectly.”

These thoughts can often feel urgent and true, even when they’re based on fear, pressure, or past patterns. 

The first step is simply noticing the thought. Then, you can ask yourself: 

• Is this thought factual, or a worry-based prediction?

• What evidence supports or contradicts it? 

• Is there a kinder, more balanced way to phrase this?

Reframing our thoughts doesn’t mean denying our feelings, it means giving ourselves permission to see the full picture, reduce the pressure we carry, and create emotional space to respond with calm and clarity.

When you notice anxious thoughts arise, pause and ask yourself: 

• What is the thought I am having right now?

• Is this thought factual or a worry-based prediction?

• What evidence supports or contradicts it?

• Is there a more balanced or compassionate way to phrase this?

Reframing thoughts does not mean denying your feelings. It means giving yourself permission to see the full picture.

Take Breaks (and Break Tasks Down)

Holiday overwhelm doesn’t just come from doing too much. It also comes from holding too much in your mind all at once. 

Overwhelm can feed anxiety. When something feels too big or too vague, our brain assumes danger. When responsibilities are vague, they become stressful. 

Breaking things down into small, clear steps gives our nervous system a sense of direction and control. 

Pausing for short moments throughout the day also gives your brain a chance to reset.

These small adjustments don’t just help you get things done, they help you feel steadier, calmer, and more present.

Try breaking holiday responsibilities into small, manageable steps. Instead of “plan the holiday party,” try small steps like:

• Decide on the guest list

• Choose a date and time

• Plan a simple menu or order food

• Prepare any activities or decorations in small chunks

Your brain calms when it sees a clear plan instead of a mountain of pressure.

3 Ways to Find Clarity:

😌 Schedule micro-breaks (5–10 minutes).

📝 Break big tasks into tiny steps.

🎉 Celebrate each small thing you finish.

Lean into Supportive Connections

During the holidays, being around family or difficult patterns can sometimes highlight everything that feels off or stressful. 

In those moments, it can be especially helpful to seek out the relationships that bring you comfort and joy.

You know: the people who usually just make you feel good with a quick conversation — or even just their presence.

Even in joyful seasons, it’s normal to feel stretched, tired, or emotionally raw.

Supportive relationships can make a profound difference. Spending time with people who are warm, consistent, and grounding reminds you that you are not alone. 

The holidays don’t have to be navigated through sheer strength or independence; they can be navigated through connection. 

The right people help refill your energy, ease your stress, and keep you grounded in what truly matters.

Who in your life can you connect or spend time with next week that will leave you feeling supported and seen?

✧˖°. ⋆｡˚:✧｡

We hope this helps you navigate the holiday season with more ease!

P.S. If you aren't a member of Focused Space, but could use help accomplishing your goals, busting through procrastination, or getting motivated… you are welcome to join us at one of our live guided work sessions, or morning planning sessions!

Take care,

— Megan and the focused space team