The popular Christmas song may claim that the holidays are “the most wonderful time of the year,” but let’s be honest—they can also feel like the most overwhelming.
Between juggling family obligations, work deadlines, gift shopping, and an endless calendar of events, it’s easy to reach your limit.
When I was working as a doctor, I saw firsthand how holiday stress impacts not just our minds but our bodies too. Complaints of migraines, sleepless nights, and digestive troubles would skyrocket during this season.
It’s a harsh reminder that the pressure to do it all doesn’t just affect our mood; it can take a real toll on our health.
That’s why I want to share five simple micro-habits to help you break free from the cycle of stress and reclaim the joy of the season.
They’re easy to incorporate into even the busiest days—and they might just make this your most peaceful holiday yet.
1. The 2-Minute “Reset Moment”
The first habit I rely on during the holiday chaos is what I call a “Reset Moment.” It’s a quick, two-minute practice for those overwhelming times when your to-do list feels never-ending.
Here’s how it works…
Pause, close your eyes, and take 2–3 deep breaths.
Check-in with your body—are your shoulders tense? Is your jaw clenched? With each exhale, consciously release that tension.
What does this simple technique do?
Well, when holiday stress piles up, it pushes your body into “fight or flight” mode. You see, our bodies can’t distinguish between a real emergency and a packed holiday schedule.
However, deep breathing activates your “rest and digest” system, calming your heart rate, relaxing your muscles, and signaling your brain to stand down.
Even once a day, this quick reset can make a huge difference. Use it before a family gathering, during a hectic shopping spree, or anytime you need to recenter.
2. Daily “Single-Task” Moment
Let’s face it—holiday multitasking is practically a sport: wrapping gifts while on a call, cooking while answering emails, etc.
But here’s the thing: Constant multitasking doesn’t just increase our stress; it stops us from enjoying the moment.
That’s where the second habit, “Single-Task Moment,” comes in.
Every day, choose one task to do slowly and with full attention. It could be stirring tea, setting the table, or wrapping a gift.
Focus on the sounds, smells, and sensations—like a mini meditation.
I started this habit after realizing I was rushing through the things I love about the holidays, like decorating or baking, just to get it all done.
Slowing down for one mindful moment brought back the joy I’d been missing.
Mindfulness practices like this are scientifically proven to:
- Reduce stress hormones like cortisol
- Boosts mood-enhancing chemicals like serotonin
- Calm the brain’s stress center
Through this habit, you can shift from frantic to focused in just a few minutes, making your holiday season feel a little more magical.
3. “Say No” Power Practice
During the holidays, it’s easy to fall into the trap of saying yes to every invitation, errand, and request just to keep up.
But here’s the truth: you don’t have to.
Giving yourself permission to say no, even just once a week, can be a game-changer, which brings me to habit number 3 – the “Say No” Power Practice.
Set yourself a weekly “no quota,” where you intentionally turn down at least one task, event, or commitment.
This tiny habit will help protect your time and energy so you can fully show up for the things that truly matter to you, like spending time with your loved ones!
4. The “End of Day Gratitude Pause”
Here’s another short but powerful daily habit – the “End of Day Gratitude Pause.”
Every night, before you go to bed, take just 30 seconds to reflect on one moment you enjoyed that day.
It doesn’t have to be anything big—maybe it was a cozy festive drink, a kind word from someone, or hearing your favorite holiday song on the radio.
Gratitude has many scientific benefits for your mind and body.
It lowers stress hormones like cortisol while boosting the “feel-good” hormones dopamine and serotonin.
Over time, gratitude can even rewire your brain to handle challenges with more optimism and resilience.
By practicing gratitude daily, you can shift your focus from what’s unfinished to what went well, allowing you to end the day with a sense of calm and peace.
This small moment of reflection proves incredibly grounding amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.
Bonus Habit
In this week’s YouTube video, I share one more simple yet effective micro habit for the holiday season.
This bonus habit is something we all need to adopt to find more peace and presence in this tech-driven world. Trust me, you don’t want to miss it!
Here’s where you can watch:
Which of these micro habits will you adopt this holiday season? Let me know in the comments below.
Or if you have another tip for staying calm during the holidays, share it in the comments too!
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