Pacing Ourselves Around this Holiday Season

With December holidays, taking note of your pace can help ease the burden and overwhelm of a busy season. By setting a manageable pace, we can find the sweet spot to handle all the demands of relatives, to-do lists, and the load of commitments at this time. Recognizing your pace helps to be proactive with burnout prevention and stress management at the end of a demanding year.

In the spirit of self-reflection, I had a busy year managing full-time employment, sports training and competition, and life’s demands. I also started this private practice dream of mine this year. It was a fruitful year where I managed the highs and lows with these next proactive steps.

First, noting my capacity at any given moment, using check-ins and body scans helped me identify where I could use more energy and where I could step back for rest. Secondly, communication was vital in expressing my needs and limitations with myself and others. For example, journaling has been helpful to discard thoughts and ideas. Thirdly, planning and making lists helped organize my goals and actions. Lists also help shelve the mental load of the many items to check off. Some of those loftier goals of 2025 will carry into 2026 with renewed spirits to complete them at my own pace. No New Year’s resolutions here! As a goal-oriented person, the process and journey there is part of my practice to fill my cup time and time again.

These are just a few of the practices that keep me grounded and mindful of my pace this time of the year. Additional caring practices include discussion and reflection with my loved ones, engaging in enjoyable activities, and certainly, taking rest days.

“Living simply makes loving simple.”
― bell hooks

Are you looking for a therapist to speak to during this transitional time? Reach out at martha@marthasegoviacalles.ca to see if I’m a fit for your therapeutic needs.