Small Shifts That Create Big Relief During the Holidays
5 Small Shifts That Create Big Relief During the Holidays
The holidays are supposed to be joyful. But if you're an overwhelmed working mom? They often feel more like you are just barely surviving.
The endless shopping. The meal planning. The decorating. The parties. The obligations.
And underneath it all? The quiet voice saying: "I just have to keep pushing through."
Let's be honest... December is a lot.
But here's what I want you to know:
You don't need massive changes to feel relief.
You don't need to overhaul your entire life or become a different person.
You just need small shifts.
Tiny adjustments that create breathing room. These adjustments are simple tools you can use right in the moment when everything feels like too much.
That's what this post is about: 5 small shifts that create a big relief during the holidays.
Why Small Shifts Work
Before we dive into the tools, let me tell you why small shifts are so powerful. When you're overwhelmed, the last thing you need is another elaborate self-care routine or a complete life overhaul.
It's a crazy thing we do— we feel the need to do a full overhaul of our life. What's crazy about it is that the full overhaul only adds to the overwhelm, stress, and guilt you might already be feeling. Exactly what you are working to get away from.
You need something simple. Something you can actually do. Something that works right now.
Small shifts work because:
They're doable. Even when you're exhausted, you can manage 5 minutes or one simple script.
They're immediate. You don't have to wait for the "right time" or "better circumstances." You can use them today.
They're sustainable. You're not adding more to your plate. You're just doing things slightly differently.
They create real relief. Even tiny adjustments can shift your nervous system and help you feel more like yourself.
So let's get into it.
Tool #1: The 5-Minute Reset
What it is: A quick pause that brings you back to yourself when you're overwhelmed.
Why it's important: Your nervous system doesn't know the difference between real danger and holiday stress. When you're in fight-or-flight mode, a simple reset can shift you back to calm.
When to use it:
You feel your chest tightening
Your mind is racing
You just snapped at someone you love
You're about to walk into something stressful
You can feel yourself spiraling
That's the basic framework. It helps reset your nervous system so you can think clearly and feel more like yourself.
Download the guide for full step-by-step instructions and when exactly to use this tool.
Tool #2: The "Not Today" List
What it is: Permission to let things go.
Why it's important: You can't do everything. Pretending you can keeps you stuck in exhaustion and resentment. Having a "Not Today" list gives you permission to be human.
When to use it:
You're feeling guilty about what you're NOT doing
Someone asks you to add one more thing
You're comparing yourself to other moms
You need permission to do less
Download the guide for full step-by-step instructions and when exactly to use this tool.
Tool #3: The Boundaries Script
What it is: A simple phrase you can use to say no without over-explaining.
Why it's important: Most of us were taught that saying no requires a detailed explanation and an apology. It doesn't. Clear, kind boundaries protect your energy.
When to use it:
Someone invites you to something you don't want to attend
You're asked to take on one more thing
You need to protect your time or energy
When your boundary is tested, hold the line: "I know it's different this year, and this is what works for our family."
Download the guide for full step-by-step instructions and when exactly to use this tool.
Tool #4: The Guilt-Free Exit Plan
What it is: A pre-planned strategy for leaving early when you need to.
Why it's important: Sometimes you show up and within 30 minutes you know: "I cannot do this for 3 hours." Having an exit plan means you don't have to tough it out until you break.
When to use it:
Family gatherings feel overwhelming
You're dreading a long event
You know your capacity is limited
You need an escape route "just in case"
Download the guide for full step-by-step instructions and when exactly to use this tool.
Tool #5: The Daily Non-Negotiable
What it is: One thing you do every single day, no matter what, that's just for you.
Why it's important: When everything feels chaotic, having one small anchor keeps you grounded. It doesn't have to be big—it just has to be YOURS.
When to use it:
You feel like you've lost yourself
Everything is for everyone else
You need something steady to hold onto
You're running on empty
Download the guide for full step-by-step instructions and when exactly to use this tool.
Putting It All Together
Start with picking one or two that resonate most right now.
Maybe you start with the 5-Minute Reset when you feel overwhelm rising.
Maybe you create a "Not Today" list to release guilt.
Maybe you practice the Boundaries Script before your next family gathering.
The key is this: one small shifts create big relief. You don't have to fix everything to feel better. You just have to do a few things differently.
As you head into the rest of December, ask yourself: What's one small shift I can make today that would create relief? Not a massive overhaul. Not a complete transformation. Just one tiny adjustment. And then give it at try.
Ready to Get Started?
Download the free guide with all 5 tools:
"5 Ways to Protect Your Energy This Holiday Season"
It includes:
Step-by-step instructions for each strategy
When to use each one
Scripts and examples
Space to personalize them for your life
Or let's talk:
Not sure which strategy to start with? Feeling stuck? Book a free 15-minute First Steps Discovery call with me.
We'll talk about what's overwhelming you most and explore how these tools might help.
Book Your Free First Step Discovery Call Here
You don't have to push through December. You can protect your energy instead.
Small shifts create big relief. You've got this. 💛
About the Author:
Ashley M Ghose is a life coach for overwhelmed working moms who helps them reduce stress and reconnect with confidence, clarity, and purpose through science-backed coaching techniques and somatic practices. She specializes in helping moms live the life they truly want—without guilt or overwhelm.
Connect with Ashley:
Website: ashleymghose.com | Instagram: @ghoseashley | Facebook: @ashleymghose
