Episode Summary:

The holiday season often brings added stress, especially for women, who traditionally bear a larger share of the mental and emotional workload. In this episode of Becoming Burnout Proof, host Meg Bingham shares practical strategies for creating a calm, joyful holiday season without burning out. From setting realistic expectations to focusing on daily restoration, Meg guides listeners through actionable steps to reduce stress and prioritize what matters most during the holidays.

Key Points:

• Identify Your Holiday Goal:
• Define how you want your holiday season to feel (e.g., calm, joyful, or present).
• Use this as your “holiday filter” to evaluate tasks and commitments.
• Do Less:
• Set realistic expectations to prevent overwhelm.
• Use the “Brain Dump, Delegate, Delete” method to prioritize tasks.
• Say no to activities that don’t align with your holiday goal.
• Ground Yourself in the Moment:
• Practice mindfulness with techniques like 4-7-8 breathing, body scans, or mindful walks.
• Use grounding exercises such as the “Take Five” sensory check-in.
• Embrace Daily Restoration:
• Focus on foundational habits like quality sleep, regular movement, social connection, and nourishing nutrition.
• Start with micro goals to build long-term resilience to stress.
• Remember What Matters:
• Your calm and joyful presence is the most valuable gift you can give to your loved ones.
• Simplify traditions and focus on creating meaningful memories over achieving perfection.

Reflection Questions:

1. On a scale of 1 to 5, how stressed are you this holiday season?
2. What is one word you would use to describe how you want your holidays to feel?
3. Which holiday tradition or expectation can you simplify this year?

Closing Thoughts:

Meg encourages listeners to reclaim joy during the holiday season by aligning their actions with their goals and prioritizing self-care. She reminds us that a calm and present mindset creates the most meaningful memories with loved ones.

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