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Feeling Overwhelmed? How Advent Can Help You Slow Down and Stress Less This Holiday Season

It’s not even Thanksgiving… and somehow the Christmas pressure is already on like a hot oil in the frying pan!

The ads have started.
The “Are you ready for Christmas?” questions are rolling in.
The to-do lists are multiplying like glitter—everywhere, unstoppable.

But before we get swept up in the whirlwind of wrapping paper, parties, cookies, and expectations… there’s a quieter invitation waiting for us.

It’s called Advent—a season meant for preparation, reflection, anticipation, and hope.
Not hustle.
Not chaos.
Not trying to out-festive the neighbor’s inflatable reindeer.

Somewhere along the way, we replaced holy days with holy cow, this is a lot.

What if this year, we decided to do it differently?  What if we allowed ourselves to just step back and reflect on the season?  And the reason for the season?

A season where we intentionally exchange overwhelm for calm.
Pressure for presence.
And Pinterest perfection for peace.

Let’s do it, shall we?

What Advent Can Teach Us About Slowing Down

One of my favorite bible verses: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13

I like that….”filled with joy” (vs. stress) and “overflow with hope” instead of overwhelmed with holiday to do lists.    Advent is traditionally about preparing our hearts.   It’s a time of waiting with intention, not racing toward December 25 like there’s a prize for the most beautifully decorated home or perfect Christmas cookies.

Are you listening to the messages of Advent? 
Instead of allowing the holiday hustle to steal your peace, make room for what really matters.   For me, it’s time with family.   It’s time to sit and reflect and being still long enough to feel the joy of the season.   It’s being PRESENT instead of being inundated with presents.

In fact, this year…our family decided NOT to do the traditional holiday gift giving.   It had become basically a task of shopping for another persons “wish list” instead of a meaningful exercise of gifting.   We decided that this year, gifts are for the children, not grown adults.   We will save the money typically spent on more meaningful moments and experiences- a wedding next fall, family pictures, etc.

Let’s listen to the whispers of advent to slow down and enjoy the season.

6 Ways to intentionally RESTore your body and soul this Advent

1. Start Your Morning with Stillness (Your Advent Anchor)

   A few quiet minutes in the morning can shift everything.
   Whether it’s prayer, reflection, gratitude, or simply breathing before the world wakes up—let this be your daily grounding place.

   This is something I have practiced for years, but during advent I always grab a special Advent Devotional that helps guide my morning reading and reflections.

2. Choose Presence Over Performance

   Remember…you don’t have to do ALL the things.
   You don’t have to decorate every corner.
   You don’t have to bake 17 kinds of cookies like you’re auditioning for “Great Holiday Bake-Off.”

   Instead, identify what truly brings you joy this season.
   Let the rest go—guilt-free.

3. Let Movement Become a Release, Not a Task

   Stress loves to coil in your body this time of year.
   Movement—walks, stretching, dancing, whatever lights you up—helps unwind the tension and clears mental clutter.

   Movement isn’t punishment; it’s Advent peace in motion.

4. Gift Yourself Steady Blood Sugar (Your Mood Will Love You for It)

   When blood sugar swings, patience drops—and nothing wrecks holiday peace like hanger.

   Anchor each meal with:
   ✨ Protein
   ✨ Fiber
   ✨ Healthy fats
   ✨ Real, colorful food

   This is nourishment that supports your calm, your hormones, and your stress resilience.

5. Create a Daily “Holi-Rest Moment”

   This is where the magic happens.

   Each day of Advent, choose one small thing that brings peace or joy:
   🕯️ Light a candle
   📖 Read a devotional
   ☕ Sip something warm without multitasking
   🎶 Listen to music that slows you down
   🤍 Sit quietly and breathe

   These tiny practices bring us back to ourselves.  Make them habitual

6. Protect Your Yes (and Your No)

   Advent teaches us intention.  
   That means your yes should be meaningful… and your no can be holy too.

   Saying “no thanks, not this year” doesn’t make you a Grinch—it makes you wise.

 

This Year, Let’s Trade Holiday Hustle for Holiday Rest

Imagine making it through December feeling… steady.
Centered.
Less like a frazzled elf and more like the grounded, vibrant woman you are.

That’s the power of shifting from hustle to holy rest.

And if you want a little help caring for your body, nourishing your mind, and finding your energy again before the holidays hit full-force…

✨ My FREE 7-Day Metabolism Reboot is happening Nov. 17-24!
It’s the perfect way to strengthen your habits, support your stress levels, and go into the holidays feeling grounded—not overwhelmed.

I’m looking forward to doing less, and enjoying more of the things that matter, and remembering the reason for the season the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” – Colossians 3:15

Let’s make this Advent a season of restoration, not exhaustion.  A season of hope, health, and Holiday Restoration.

You deserve it.