Summary

If the holidays leave you feeling overstimulated, snappy, or totally wiped out, you're not alone. Between family dynamics, endless to-do lists, travel, sugar, alcohol, and expectations from every direction, your nervous system is under a lot of pressure this time of year.

In this episode, Ali breaks down what's actually happening in your body during holiday stress and why people-pleasing, overcommitting, and "pushing through" keep you stuck in survival mode. You'll learn practical tools to stay regulated in the middle of family gatherings, set gentle emotional boundaries, recover after overstimulating events, and support your hormones through the season.

If you want to move through the holidays feeling more grounded, present, and at peace (without burning yourself out for everyone else), this episode is for you.

Takeaways

There's nothing wrong with you if you feel anxious during the holidays. The holiday season can be a perfect storm of stressors. Many women learn to stay agreeable to feel safe and connected. This learned behavior can lead to exhaustion and resentment in adulthood. The nervous system needs safety and space to calm down. You can't force your nervous system to relax; it must happen naturally. The snow globe metaphor illustrates the overwhelm many feel. Surrendering to your feelings is essential for emotional health. Self-care is crucial during stressful times like the holidays. Understanding childhood conditioning can help in managing adult stress.

Sound bites

"The season is a perfect storm of stressors." "Staying agreeable kept you safe and connected." "You can't just tell yourself to calm down."

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Holiday Stress and Expectations 00:11 The Fawn Response: People-Pleasing During the Holidays 00:30 Practical Tools for Managing Holiday Overwhelm 01:10 Setting Boundaries and Finding Balance 01:12 Reframing Rest and Self-Care During the Holidays

Ali's Resources:

Calm the Chaos: Practical Tips and Tools for Stopping Anxiety in It's Tracks Course!

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