Feeling Stretched Thin? Try This.

Happy December to you!

We’ve officially entered the season of “so much to do, so little capacity.” The plans, the people, the pressure — it all piles up fast 🏔️. And even if you’ve been cruising through the year, the holidays have a special talent for turning the dial all the way up. 🔥

So this month, I’m sharing two simple tools from my Sustainable Self-Care workshop to help you stay grounded, sane, and maybe even enjoy yourself a little. 👇

First up: Setting an Intention

We’ve all heard that intentions matter, but here’s why they’re especially powerful during the holidays:

An intention gives you a north star. ✨

It doesn’t control the situation ... but it centers you. It helps you ground into the version of yourself you want to be — especially when old family dynamics, expectations, or emotional 'landmines' pop up. 💣

Think of an intention as a tiny buffer between the trigger and your reaction.

Try this:

1. Ask yourself: How do I want to feel when I leave this event?

2. Then ask: What do I need to embody to create that feeling?

   
   

Choose a simple word or phrase — something you can whisper to yourself during a bathroom break:

• “Stay grounded.”

  • “Lead with curiosity.”

  • “Protect my peace.”

  • “Softness.”

  • “Compassion for myself.” 💖

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Then, before you walk through the door, take two slow breaths and repeat your intention silently. And when you feel yourself slipping (because it happens to all of us), bring your intention back to your mind. That’s the reset. 👍

Next: Pick an Anchor ⚓:

An anchor is a grounding tool that brings you back to yourself when stress or overwhelm tries to hijack your nervous system. It can be internal, physical, or relational — the goal is simply to give your body a reliable way back to center 🌿.

Anchors give you the chance to respond intentionally, instead of reactionary.

Here are a few that work well in holiday settings:

• A short mantra: “I’m safe,” “I can pause,” or “This isn’t mine to fix.”

• A quick body scan: feet → legs → belly → shoulders → jaw.

• A grounding object in your pocket (i.e. a stone, ring, or bracelet)

• Touching fingertips together under the table.

• A hand on your chest or stomach for one slow breath.

• Stepping outside for some fresh air.

• A pre-planned signal with your partner (“tap my arm if I seem overwhelmed”).

• A shared exit plan (“If either of us needs air, we take a 5-minute break — no questions.”)

Pick something that feels natural (and subtle) — and be sure to practice it ahead of time so it actually works when you need it. Remember:

• You are not responsible for managing everyone’s emotions (I have to remind myself of this daily).

• You are allowed to step away.

• You’re allowed to protect your peace. ☮️

• AND you’re allowed to take care of yourself just as much as everyone else!

  
  

Happy Holidays! ❄️⛄