If the holidays feel a bit overwhelming…

This season looks different for everyone. Some people celebrate religious holidays, some follow cultural traditions, and some keep it simple. Wherever you fall, this time of year can activate old patterns, tension, or social stress, especially around family.

If this season is activating for you, here are a few things that actually help:

1. Take a minute before you walk in

Sit in the car or hallway.
Put one hand on your chest, one on your stomach.
Notice your breath. 

Try to breath more into your belly, without forcing. Then take a few longer exhales.
This helps your system settle before engaging.

2. Have a small “out”

A 2–3 minute break can help your whole system.
Say you’re getting water, checking the oven, or stepping outside.
This is regulation — not avoidance.

Make sure to know what your resources are for these moments.

3. Eat slowly

Fast eating increases sympathetic activation.
Slow eating keeps your system in a steadier place.

4. If someone activates you, pause before responding

Don’t react right away.
Look around the room.
Find 1–2 neutral objects.

Feel your feet on the ground. Notice your breath.
Let your system come back online, then speak.

5. Set one boundary that protects your energy

It can be small:

“I’m not talking about work today.”
“I’m going to head home earlier.”

“I’m stepping out for a bit.”

Boundaries are regulation.

6. After the event, give yourself at least 10 minutes to “come down”

A walk.
A shower.
A slow exhale.
Legs up the wall.
Anything that helps your system release the load.

You’re not doing the holidays wrong, you’re just noticing how your body responds. That’s awareness, not weakness.

You’re doing well.

With love,

Daya

P.S. If you need support during this season, you can dive into our course in December. And Season 2 of the Somatic Songwriters Podcast will launch soon!