How to Stay Grounded Through the Holidays

“You don’t need to do the holidays perfectly.
You just need to stay connected to yourself.”

Awareness gives you clarity.
Regulation gives you stability.
Intention gives you direction.

The holidays are basically here — and if you’re already noticing that little spike of stress, you’re not alone. This time of year has a way of stirring things up: extra expectations, disrupted routines, social commitments, and of course… family dynamics.

It’s normal to feel a mix of excitement and pressure. And it’s exactly why this season is one of my favorite times to practice awareness, regulate my nervous system, and be intentional about how I want to show up.

Because here’s the truth:
You don’t have to wait until January to feel grounded.
You can start now — right in the middle of this busy, exciting, beautiful season.

As we step into the holidays, here are the three things I’m reminding myself of — and inviting you to try as well.

1. Awareness: Notice What’s Happening Within You

Before you rush, react, or go on autopilot, pause and simply observe.

• What’s coming up for you?

• Where are you feeling tension?

• Which situations tend to spike your stress?

• What expectations (yours or others’) feel heavy?

Awareness isn’t about judgment — it’s about clarity.
And clarity gives you choice.
It’s the first step in breaking old patterns and choosing aligned ones.

2. Regulation: Support Your Nervous System

A regulated body makes everything easier — conversations, boundaries, decisions, and even joy.

When your nervous system feels safe, you can be present.
When it feels overwhelmed, you slip into survival mode.

Here are simple ways to regulate during the holidays:

• Take a few slow breaths before walking into a gathering

• Ground by feeling your feet on the floor

• Step outside for a few minutes of fresh air

• Pause before responding

• Do something calming each day (a walk, music, journaling, silence)

Regulation is what helps you show up as the version of yourself you actually want to be — not the one reacting from stress.

3. Intention: Choose How You Want to Show Up

You get to decide:

• What you say yes or no to

• What kind of energy you bring into a room

• What you prioritize

• How you care for yourself

• What you let go of

Intentional choices — even tiny ones — create a completely different experience of the holidays.

Ask yourself:

• “How do I want to feel this season?”

• “What actually matters to me?”

• “What do I need to support myself?”

• “What expectations can I gently release?”

Showing up with intention doesn’t make the holidays perfect.
But it does make them more aligned, more grounded, and more yours.

A Gentle Reminder

You don’t need to do the holidays perfectly.
You just need to stay connected to yourself.

Awareness gives you clarity.
Regulation gives you stability.
Intention gives you direction.

Together, they help you move through the season with more ease, confidence, and presence — even when things get chaotic.

You deserve a holiday season that feels good on the inside, not just the outside.