Holiday stress feels unavoidable, but it is not random, and it is not a personal failure. In this episode, the realities of holiday stress are broken down, including why stress feels amplified this time of year, how the body responds to ongoing pressure, and why waiting for life to “calm down” before making changes rarely works. This conversation covers the physiology of stress, its impact on sleep, appetite, and energy, and what it means to protect your energy during a busy season. Practical, realistic strategies are shared to help manage stress without aiming for perfection or adding more pressure.

Episode 166: Dealing with Holiday Stress in Real Life: Practical Tips to Stay Calm

The holidays can be magical—but they can also be stressful. From packed schedules to family dynamics, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Episode 166 of the Real World Nutrition Podcast focuses on practical stress management strategies to help you navigate this busy season.

Host Shelley A. Rael reminds listeners that stress isn’t just about what happens to us—it’s how we respond. While we can’t control others or unexpected events, we can control how we approach these challenges.

This episode dives into:

• Simple breathing exercises to calm your mind in minutes.

• Tips for setting healthy boundaries, like saying no to extra commitments.

• How to build a calming routine, even amidst holiday chaos.

With actionable advice and gentle reminders, this episode helps you prioritize your well-being without sacrificing the season's joy.

🎧 Tune in now to Real World Nutrition with Shelley A. Rael on your favorite podcast platform for a stress-less holiday season.