Summary

In this episode, Melanie discusses the concept of the 'holiday emotional hangover' and offers listeners permission to slow down and prioritize self-care during the holiday season. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing emotional clutter and provides a three-step prevention plan to help manage holiday stress and create a more meaningful experience.

Key Takeaways:

• The holiday emotional hangover can start before the holiday.
• Anticipatory stress builds up due to expectations and obligations.
• You have permission to do less during the holidays.
• It's important to protect your energy and mental space.
• Grieving traditions that no longer fit is a valid response.
• A clutter-free holiday requires intentional decision-making.
• Your 'yes' has value; spend it wisely.
• Lighten your load by subtracting tasks and obligations.
• You are not responsible for everyone's joy during the holidays.
• Prioritize one non-negotiable aspect of self-care this season.

Sound bites:

"protect your energy"

"your yes has value"

"lighten the load"

Chapters

00:00 Understanding the Holiday Emotional Hangover

03:23 Permission to Slow Down and Do Less

07:02 Creating a Clutter-Free Holiday Prevention Plan

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