As the year winds down, it is easy to get caught up in the busyness of the season, checking off lists, meeting deadlines, and preparing for the holidays ahead. The holidays can be a wonderful time of connection, reflection, and gratitude, but they can also bring moments of stress, exhaustion, or even a touch of the blues. Between full calendars, high expectations, and end-of-year pressure, it is easy to feel pulled in many directions. This month, let’s take a deep breath and focus on what truly matters by exploring three simple ways to stay grounded and keep your peace at the forefront.
1. Small Steps to Lift Your Mood
When the days feel heavy or hectic, it’s often the smallest moments that make the biggest difference. Try building little “reset rituals” into your day, such as taking five minutes to stretch, step outside, or simply sit with your coffee before checking your phone.
- Move your body. Even a short walk releases tension and boosts endorphins.
- Reach out. Send a quick message to someone you appreciate. It helps both of you feel connected.
- Breathe deeply. A few intentional breaths can quiet a racing mind faster than you think. You do not have to overhaul your life to feel better. Consistent, small actions can lift your energy and help you stay centered during the busiest season of the year.
2. Create a “To-Feel” List
We are all familiar with to-do lists, but what about a “to-feel list”? Instead of measuring your days by how much you accomplish, try asking yourself, “How do I want to feel this week?” Maybe it is peaceful, grateful, or present. When you define those emotions first, your choices naturally align to support them. If you want to feel peaceful, that might mean saying no to one extra event. If you’re going to feel grateful, consider starting or ending your day by writing down three things you appreciate. A to-feel list shifts your focus from productivity to presence, and that is a powerful gift to give yourself this season.
3. Let Go of Perfect
The holidays have a way of magnifying perfectionism. We want everything just right—the décor, the meals, the projects, and the year-end wrap-up. But the truth is, perfection often robs us of joy. This year, what if you let go of perfect and embraced peaceful instead? Perhaps the cookies burn, the photos aren’t picture-perfect, or the plan changes at the last minute. That is okay. The people who matter most do not need your perfection; they need your presence. Give yourself permission to rest, laugh, and enjoy the moment, even if it is a little messy. That is where the real memories are made.
As we move through November and into the holiday season, let’s give ourselves and others a little extra grace. The weeks ahead can be full, but they do not have to be overwhelming. Take time for yourself, set gentle boundaries, and remember that calm is something you can create, even in the middle of it all.