Go From Overwhelmed to Ending the Year with Joy!

“I Just Have to Get Through the Holidays First.” Sound Familiar?

The holidays are here, and for many—especially women—that means long to-do lists, endless obligations, and mounting exhaustion. A season meant for joy often leaves us stressed, overcommitted, and drained. If this resonates, here’s something to consider: feeling overwhelmed is a clue, not a flaw.

Overwhelm is your body and mind’s way of saying, “Something isn’t working.” Simply because stress is common during the holidays doesn’t mean it’s healthy—or the only way to be. If you’ve been saying yes to things out of guilt, keeping traditions alive for others, or feeling resentful about everything on your plate, it’s time to pause.

This holiday season acts like a stress test—like a bridge, we all have a capacity for carrying weight. But when that load becomes too heavy, cracks begin to show. Many women are the "bridge" holding everything together, taking on the emotional labor of making the season magical while neglecting their own well-being. Over time, the cracks appear: exhaustion, irritability, poor sleep, and resentment.

Feeling like it may be time to stop glorifying or normalizing exhaustion? Let’s explore how to move from overwhelmed to aligned so you can end the year feeling calm.

Why Overwhelm Is a Clue, Not a Flaw

Overwhelm doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re out of alignment. When the things you commit to feel energizing, you’re in the right space. But when you’re saying yes to things you secretly dread or pushing yourself past your limits because you think you “should”, it takes a toll.

This misalignment shows up as stress, burnout, and even guilt when you consider saying no. It’s a sign to stop and reflect. Grab a pen and paper and make a list:

What am I doing that doesn’t feel right/good/fun?
What am I avoiding that I know I need? (Space, quiet, time, silence, peace, play?)
Who am I trying to please, and at what cost?

How to Identify What’s Out of Alignment

Often, the biggest sources of holiday stress aren’t the tasks themselves but the emotions behind them. When you can name those emotions—guilt, obligation, fear of judgment—you gain clarity on what’s really driving your overwhelm. Most women I talk to will say they have to do things because everyone is expecting them to or because they always do it. It’s a tradition. They have to. The first step to shifting from overwhelmed to aligned is understanding where things are off track. Keep that pen & paper out and ask yourself:

WHAT is stressing me out the most right now? Make a list.
- Is it the sheer volume of things you’ve committed to? The pressure to create a “perfect” holiday? Do you secretly hate writing holiday cards? Are you dreading holiday parties?
Jot down WHY you’re doing those things:
- Are you doing it because you you love it, you are expected to, you always do it, no one else will do it?
- Are you agreeing to things out of guilt or fear of disappointing others?
Imagine if you DIDN’T:
- What would you have time to do instead? Who would notice and how much would it matter?
- Would you skip an event, ask for help, or carve out more time for yourself?
- Would there be a huge family uproar? Would ever card recipient really notice you didn’t send cards? What if you scheduled a lunch with people throughout the year instead of gifts?
  Practical Steps to Regain Balance

I can guarantee you that everyone else is so busy with their own lives, they probably won’t even notice the changes you make! We often assume our actions are vital, but the moment one person speaks up and sets a new boundary or priority, it gives everyone else permission to relax a little, too.

Once you’ve identified what’s out of alignment, it’s time to make changes that help you feel more in control and at peace. Here are a few practical steps:

1. Set Boundaries

Saying no is an act of self-care. If something feels like too much, practice kind ways to decline:

“Thank you for thinking of me, but I can’t this time.”
“I’d love to help, but I’m stretched too thin right now.”
“I can’t make it to the party, but I’d love to take you out for coffee after the holidays!”

Or be honest:

“I’m starting my New Year’s self-care goals early and prioritizing rest this holiday season. I’d love to catch up in January—can we set a date?”

2. Prioritize Yourself

Make yourself a priority—even during the holidays. That could mean scheduling 30 minutes of quiet time each morning, taking a long walk, or journaling before bed. Small acts of self-care add up and help you recharge. Double down by asking your partner to wrap presents while you take a bath, get a massage, or read a good book. Or heck, do it together (the work and the play)!

3. Delegate or Simplify

Let go of the idea that you have to do it all. Simplifying isn’t “cutting corners”—it’s creating space for what matters most. If you have a partner, this is a great time to talk about what you both value. Often, one partner is more relaxed about the holidays—take inspiration from that and let a few things go. Play hooky from the idea that the holidays have to be stressful. If you’re single - this could be even easier - you’re self-inflicting this wild routine!

Can someone else bring a dish to the holiday dinner?
Could you order gifts online instead of hitting the mall?

Are you doing things you don’t enjoy?
Would new traditions feel better?

4. Reframe Guilt

Taking care of yourself doesn’t mean you’re selfish—it means you’re human. When guilt creeps in, remind yourself: the more aligned and rested you are, the better you can show up for the people you care about. You’re also setting an example for those around you. Would you rather be relaxed, present, and engaged during this season—or burnt-out, bouncing between coffee and mimosas as you slog toward the finish line of New Year’s Eve?

Personal Story

2021 was a tough year. I was living in a new state, in a new home. I had asked for a divorce in July, and my ex-husband and I had to live together throughout the process—a situation that was neither fun nor easy for either of us. I sold that home, moved into another, left my career, co-founded a new business, and found out I needed a hysterectomy for massive fibroids. By Thanksgiving, I had just moved into my new house, and by Christmas I was completely exhausted. So, I set down all my expectations: Holiday cards? Nope. Outside lights? Absolutely not. Gifts for friends and family? Later. Traveling to see family? Not going to happen.

Instead, I made a lovely dinner for myself. I put up my tree, turned the heater to whatever setting I wanted, played good music, and read a book. I gifted myself a guilt-free holiday, and in doing so, I felt fantastic. I called friends one by one and had more meaningful conversations. I got coffee and took walks with neighbors. I allowed myself to notice the magic I had overlooked in past years: other people’s holiday lights, the way the town was decorated, the excitement of little kids. All of those details are so easy to miss when your mindset is, “I cannot wait for this to be over.” I realized what a shame it is to wait for the ‘most wonderful time of the year’ only to dread the entire process. Somewhere along the way, it seems we’ve developed this strange habit of doing more than we want—or need—to do, and it’s time to change that.

End the Year on Your Terms

Imagine finishing this year with a sense of calm instead of chaos. Instead of rushing, focus on what truly brings you joy—quiet moments with loved ones, reflection, or simply resting. Alignment starts with small shifts—saying no where you need to, letting go of what drains you, and giving yourself permission to prioritize what matters most.

If you’re ready to make this shift, I’ve created a free Year-End Guide to help you reflect and design an aligned plan for the new year. It’s a simple, step-by-step workbook you can use anytime—not one more thing to stress about now. I’ll also be launching an extended workbook, an 8-week course, and 1:1 coaching to help you move forward with purpose. Get on the waitlist, and let’s make this the year you end on your terms.

You deserve a life—and a holiday season—that feels as good as it looks!

With Love,