Holiday Stress: Why It Happens and What to Do About It
Stress often feels more intense during the holidays, but the underlying drivers of stress are present year-round. This episode explores why holiday stress happens, how the body responds to perceived pressure, and why chronic stress can interfere with sleep, energy, and eating patterns. The fight-or-flight response is explained in practical terms, including the role of stress hormones and how they shift blood flow, appetite, and focus.
Rather than waiting for life to slow down, this discussion focuses on working with stress as a constant rather than an exception. The episode connects stress physiology to real-world behaviors, including cravings, skipped meals, reliance on convenience foods, and decision fatigue. It also addresses the time pressure of the holidays and how expectations, both external and self-imposed, contribute to burnout.
Listeners are guided through realistic ways to protect energy, including prioritizing needs, setting limits, making flexible plans, and recognizing when “good enough” is appropriate. The goal is not stress elimination, but better stress management that supports health, well-being, and sustainability during the holidays and beyond.
Read More: Burnout-Proof Holidays: Managing Stress and Protecting Your Energy
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