How to Stay Grounded During the Holidays: Tips for Stress Relief

The Ya-Ya Season Is Upon Us

Good tidings and cheer, you say? A winter wonderland?
Maybe…sometimes.

I like to call the holiday stretch—from mid-November through January 3—the Ya-Ya Season.

But what exactly is a Ya-Ya?

A Ya-Ya is the mix of energy, emotions, thoughts, and behaviors that surface under the pressure (real or perceived) of gathering, giving, receiving, and being with family and loved ones. It’s the expectations around who gets our time, how the food will look, what we will provide, and how we’ll show up—all while we’re working, caring for others, navigating weather, and trying to be fiscally responsible.

I want to pause and acknowledge that this post comes from a place of privilege and doesn’t begin to encompass the real horrors many are navigating—both locally and across the world.

The Ya-Ya Season is a prime time for old family patterns, stressors, joys, and hurts to resurface. And it doesn’t stop with our own Ya-Ya’s—we’re also contending with the Ya-Ya’s of the people we work with, live with, communicate with, or simply encounter.

In short: a Ya-Ya is that “off” sensation that can influence how we feel, think, and behave throughout the season.

Ever know someone who says they hate the holidays? Sometimes I wonder if it’s because the Ya-Ya’s take over. It’s such a mixed time—we want the season to feel good, for everyone to be happy, content, and healthy…but that isn’t always the reality.

How to Counter the Ya-Ya’s

It starts by listening to yourself and tuning in to your body. Notice the signals:

• “Ugh, I just need more time.”
• “I’m doing so much for others that I can’t get to my own things.”
• “My shoulders and neck are so tight.”
• “People feel so unkind right now.”
• “This weather is messing up my plans.”
• “I just feel drained.”

These clues help you recognize—and counter—the Ya-Ya’s.

If you’re short on time:

• Am I saying “yes” to too many things? What can I rein in?
• Is my to-do list realistic, or am I expecting myself to go above and beyond?
• Am I delegating, or am I holding all the responsibility?

If your body is holding tension or feeling “off”:

• Am I letting my boundaries be pushed?
• Am I ignoring my own needs because I’m focused on doing?
• Am I getting enough rest, sleep, water, and food?
• Am I silencing myself to keep the peace?
• Am I feeling disappointed?

If you’re irritated by things outside your control (weather, other people, etc.):

• Am I letting external experiences derail my energy?
• Am I carrying other people’s expectations or stress as if it’s mine?

Self-Regulation & Restoring Your Energy

A few gentle resets can go a long way:

• Listen to Solfeggio frequency music.
• Spend time alone or with someone who replenishes your energy.
• Sit by a sunny window or use a “happy light” (some counties even lend them out).
• Slow down.
• Do something creative just for you: journaling, doodling, cooking, crocheting, or even making patterns with your footsteps in the snow.

I recently helped my daughter make a coconut cream pie, and the recipe required 15 full minutes of constant stirring. I couldn’t multitask, walk away, or let my mind wander—and it was great.

The Key Takeaway

You deserve time, health, presence, and a sense of wholeness too.
Your worth isn’t defined by how much you do for others or how “on” you are—and overdoing it may rob you of the parts of the season you do enjoy.

Extend loving-kindness toward yourself—especially now.

If you want support in slowing down, reconnecting with your body, and tuning in during this Ya-Ya Season, reach out to schedule a Reiki session with me. It would be an honor to support your calm and restoration.