Why The Holidays Wreck Our Nervous System

It's the most wonderful time of the year, but for many women winter festivities represent a period of overwhelm and stress. Between juggling work and added family responsibilities, such as planning for holiday gatherings, shopping for gifts and cooking, it's common for women to find themselves in positions where emotional wellbeing is sacrificed for the sake of holiday tradition. Because the holiday season often requires us to keep track of and pay attention to a greater number of responsibilities than usual, the brain’s prefrontal cortex goes into overdrive, but it can be manageable with preparation and the right strategies. 

Prioritize what really matters

A meaningful holiday does not require perfection. Think about the specific traditions that matter to you and your family and put them at the forefront when doing your planning. Also be realistic about what you're about to accomplish and give yourself permission to adjust expectations if needed. 

Set boundaries

Saying no can be hard but it's essential to avoiding burnout. Whether it's attending an event or having a difficult conversation, an effective way to set boundaries is to make them warm, clear, and brief. Some examples are phrases like:

• "I'm not in the mood to talk about that right now, can we change the subject?"
• "I can stop by but I'll only be able to spend an hour this year."
• "I won't be able to host but I'd love to pitch in and bring a side disk."

Recharge

You can't pour from an empty cup. Taking breaks to recharge, no matter how short, are important especially during busy seasons like this. Creating a list of non-negotiables is a great way to keep up with self care as well as practicing grounding techniques such as box breathing and 5 senses scans.