Embracing the Holiday Chaos: Finding Balance in Busy Seasons
Anyone who follows my work knows that I am a strong proponent of working sustainably, finding balance, and living in ways that support your physical, mental, and emotional health. With the Holidays coming up, I know that balance can feel harder than ever to maintain. Between end-of-year work demands, family gatherings, travel, and social events, it’s easy to feel stretched too thin.
That’s why I wanted to share a simple reminder: it’s okay to be out of balance sometimes. There are natural ebbs and flows in life and work, and learning to accept those fluctuations rather than fighting against them can bring a surprising amount of peace.
Accept the Chaos
There are seasons of life that simply require more energy, time, and focus than others. Think about when you have a newborn baby and every waking moment revolves around caring for that tiny human. Sleep is scarce, personal time disappears, and most parents function on sheer willpower (and caffeine). It’s a period of imbalance, and that’s normal. What gets most people through it is the understanding that it’s temporary.
The holidays can be similar. They demand more of us emotionally, physically, and mentally. There are gatherings to attend, projects to wrap up, fiscal year planning to complete, gifts to buy, meals to prepare, and family dynamics to navigate. It’s no wonder this season can feel like an endless marathon.
Instead of resisting the chaos, embrace it as a temporary season and:
Acknowledge that things may not be balanced right now and that’s okay.
Prepare in advance. If you know a busy period is coming, do what you can beforehand to rest, recharge, and organize. Treat this time like a “training period” before a big event. Entering the holidays with a little extra sleep and mental space can make all the difference when things start to get hectic.
Plan for recovery time. Give yourself space to decompress once the holiday rush is over. Whether that means scheduling a few quiet days off, taking a mini trip, or simply doing nothing for a weekend, plan your rest just as intentionally as you plan your to-do list.
Say No Gracefully
One of the greatest acts of self-care during the holidays is learning to say no without guilt. You don’t have to attend every event, bake for every fundraiser, or accept every invitation. Decide what truly matters to you and what can wait.
Ask yourself:
Does this bring me joy or add unnecessary stress?
Am I doing this out of obligation or genuine desire?
What would happen if I said no?
Often, the answer is that the world will keep spinning just fine without your involvement and protecting your time and energy is not selfish, it’s sustainable. Remember, when you overextend yourself, you risk burnout, resentment, or even getting sick. Give yourself permission to prioritize what’s most important and let go of the rest.
Do What You Need to Do to Get Through It
During high-demand periods, your normal routines may need adjusting and that’s perfectly fine. You don’t have to do everything “by the book” to be healthy or balanced. What matters is that you find ways to support yourself through the chaos.
If that means taking more breaks, sleeping in when you can, or spending a night in instead of socializing, do it. There’s no shame in scaling back. If you need alone time away from work or family to recharge, take it.
The goal isn’t perfection, it’s sustainability. Remember: you can’t pour from an empty cup. When you care for yourself, even in small ways, you’re better equipped to show up for your work, your loved ones, and yourself.
A Gentle Reminder
The holidays can bring joy and connection, but they can also bring pressure and exhaustion. By accepting the temporary imbalance, setting realistic expectations, and giving yourself grace, you create space for peace even amidst the chaos.
As this busy season approaches, plan with intention, rest when you can, and remember: imbalance doesn’t mean failure. It means you’re human.