**For a free gift this holiday season from us at Stark Wellness, scroll to the bottom of the email**
The holidays SHOULD be a time for celebration, connection, and rest.
But for many of us the holidays have turned into a stressful race to check off endless to-do lists. With the pressure of shopping, cooking, hosting, and attending events, it’s easy to feel like we’re just going through the motions instead of truly experiencing the joy of the season.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone—and it doesn’t have to be this way.
What if we let go of what we “should” do and instead, focus on what truly brings us peace, joy, and connection with our loved ones?
Impossible you say? Here are some ways to shift your perspective and create a holiday season that feels nurturing instead of draining:
- Reframe Your Expectations with the 70% Rule
You don’t have to be perfect! Instead of trying to do everything perfectly, aim for 70%. The 70% rule encourages you to focus on giving your best effort without stressing over perfection. This could mean hosting a smaller gathering, making one batch of cookies instead of three, or simplifying the decorations. By lowering the bar just a little, you leave space for spontaneity and genuine enjoyment.
- Create a “Feel-Good” List
Take a moment to write down what you want to do, not what you feel obligated to do. Whether it’s sitting down with your kids for a movie marathon, taking a walk in the park, or just reading a book, these are the activities that will recharge your batteries and nourish your spirit.
- Unplug from Holiday Perfectionism
Social media can make us feel like we’re missing out or falling short of the holiday “ideal.” Try to limit your time on platforms that make you feel bad about your life or stressed.
- Practice Micro-Meditations Throughout the Day
If the stress starts to pile up, try “micro-meditations” — short, intentional moments of mindfulness that can be done anywhere. Whether it’s closing your eyes for 30 seconds and focusing on your breath or simply pausing to notice the warmth of a cup of tea in your hands, these tiny breaks can help center you without requiring hours of commitment.
- Delegate and Share Responsibilities
One of the best ways to ease the pressure is by sharing the load. Ask your partner, family members, or friends to help with different tasks. Instead of doing everything yourself, try a collaborative approach. You might even turn chores into something fun, like playing holiday music and making the task into a bonding moment.
- Embrace the Beauty of “No”
It’s easy to feel obligated to attend every party or get involved in every family event. However, the beauty of the holidays lies in your ability to prioritize what truly matters. Say “no” to activities that drain you or don’t align with your values, and give yourself permission to opt out without guilt. It’s okay to honor your boundaries for the sake of your well-being.
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The holidays can be a beautiful time of year, but they don’t have to be perfect or filled with endless tasks. By letting go of rigid expectations and focusing on what truly nourishes us, we can embrace the magic of the season—without the overwhelm.
From all of us here at Stark Wellness Clinic, we wish you a warm, peaceful, and joyful holiday season. Take a deep breath, let go of the stress, and remember: the most important thing is to enjoy the moments with your loved ones and yourself.
If you’re finding the holidays difficult, remember we’re here to help. Reach out to us anytime for support during this season.
****We have a special holiday/New Years gift for you!****
We want you to start the New Year on the right foot, and so we have a workbook that is designed to help you gain the clarity, courage, and conviction to answer one of the most important questions in life: What do you really want?
Message/e-mail us back with the words: “WORKBOOK” and we will send it right over!
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