The holidays are supposed to feel joyful, but honestly, they can also feel overwhelming.
Between shopping, parties, and family plans, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush and lose your sense of calm.
Staying grounded doesn’t have to mean doing everything perfectly.
It’s about creating small moments that bring your mind back to the present, protect your energy, and help you enjoy the season instead of just surviving it.
Here are 7 ways to feel calmer and more intentional this holiday season:
1. Give yourself a tiny transition ritual:
Before moving from one activity to the next (like leaving the house for a party or switching from wrapping gifts to cooking dinner) take a moment to pause.
Close your eyes, take three deep breaths, or gently stretch your body.
These small rituals tell your brain that it’s okay to let go of the last thing and step into the next with more ease.
2. Speak your feelings out loud
Talking through your thoughts, even if it’s just to yourself, can help you process stress before it spirals.
Say something like, “This is a lot, but I can handle it,” or “I’m choosing calm right now.”
Saying things out loud helps your brain organize thoughts and releases tension, which is much more grounding than keeping everything bottled up.
3. Plan ahead when you can
Even a loose plan can help you feel more in control and reduce the last-minute holiday stress.
It doesn’t have to be perfect, just knowing roughly what you’ll do, when you’ll eat, or what errands you’ll do can ease mental clutter.
Planning ahead helps your brain anticipate the day instead of reacting to surprises, which lowers stress and prevents overthinking.
You’ll feel more grounded, confident, and able to enjoy each moment instead of feeling rushed.
4. Leave earlier than you think you need to
Rushing to get somewhere is one of the fastest ways to spike stress and anxiety.
Giving yourself extra time to arrive early or leave a little sooner lets you move through the day at a calmer pace.
When you’re not racing against the clock, your mind can actually enjoy the experience instead of focusing on what’s next.
Even a 10–15 minute buffer can make your whole day feel lighter and more intentional.
5. Ground yourself with your senses
When you feel overwhelmed, bring your focus to what you can see, touch, smell, taste, or hear.
Notice the warmth of your coffee mug, the softness of a blanket, or the gentle spin of your fidget ring.
Engaging your senses brings you back to the present moment, which is one of the most effective tools for overthinking and calming anxiety.
6. Bring something familiar
Having a small object that feels comforting (like your favorite fidget ring or your favorite sweater) can make a big difference in stressful situations.
These familiar items give your senses something grounding to hold onto, which helps your nervous system settle.
When you’re surrounded by a lot of people or busy events, that little piece of comfort reminds you that you’re safe and centered.
Even just spinning your ring quietly can help bring your mind back to the present moment.
I’m wearing our Allure pearl fidget ring to Christmas this year.
7. Find a small moment of gratitude
Instead of a long gratitude list, notice one small, unexpected thing today.
Taking time to appreciate these little moments trains your brain to see calm and joy.
Over time, these tiny shifts can make your holiday season feel softer and more intentional.
Wishing you a holiday season that feels calm, intentional, and full of little moments that truly matter.
❤️
Bianca