Stay calm this holiday season

4 Neuro Resets to Help You Stay Calm Through the Holidays

The holidays are supposed to feel joyful—but for many people, they feel overwhelming.

More noise.

More people.

More obligations.

Less routine.

Less rest.

If you’ve noticed yourself feeling more anxious, irritable, exhausted, or “on edge,” it’s not a personal failure. It’s your nervous system doing exactly what it’s designed to do: protect you from perceived threat.

The good news?

You don’t need more discipline or willpower to get through this season.

You need to lower the threat.

Understanding Your “Threat Bucket”

When stress builds up—emotionally, mentally, or physically—

it fills what I call your threat bucket.

A full threat bucket can show up as:

• Anxiety or restlessness

• Trouble sleeping

• Snapping at people you love

• Feeling wired but tired

• A sense that you’re always behind

During the holidays, that bucket fills fast.

The fastest way to feel better isn’t pushing harder—

it’s sending your brain signals of safety.

That’s where neuro resets come in.

4 Simple Neuro Resets You Can Do Anywhere

No equipment. No special setup. Just your body.

1. Extended Exhale Breathing (1–2 minutes)

This is one of the most effective ways to calm your nervous system.

• Inhale gently through your nose for 4

• Exhale slowly through your mouth for 6–8

• Let your shoulders soften as you breathe out

Longer exhales activate your parasympathetic nervous system—the part responsible for rest, recovery, and calm.

Use this when you feel anxious, overwhelmed, or before bed.

2. Eye Circles (30–60 seconds)

Your eyes are directly connected to your brain and nervous system.

• Keep your head still

• Slowly trace big circles with your eyes

• 3–5 circles in each direction

• Breathe normally

This simple movement reduces visual stress and helps your brain shift out of fight-or-flight.

Great after long days, screen time, or busy environments.

3. Ground + Press Reset (1 minute)

Grounding helps your brain feel stable and supported.

• Sit or stand with both feet flat on the floor

• Gently press your feet into the ground

• Lightly squeeze your fists for 3 seconds

• Release and repeat 3–4 times

This combination of grounding and gentle tension tells your nervous system: I’m supported. I’m safe.

Perfect when emotions are running high.

4. Eye Palming (1–3 minutes)

One of the fastest ways to calm a busy brain.

• Rub your hands together to create warmth

• Gently cup your palms over your closed eyes(no pressure on the eyeballs)

• Let the darkness soften your breath

• Breathe slowly and evenly

Reducing visual input allows your nervous system to downshift—especially helpful when you feel overstimulated or mentally exhausted.

When to Use These Resets

You don’t need a perfect routine. Just use them when life feels loud.

Try one:

• Before family gatherings

• After errands, travel, or long days

• When you feel snappy or wired

• As part of your bedtime wind-down

Small resets done consistently make a big difference.

A Calmer Way Forward

Imagine moving through the holidays feeling:

• More grounded

• Less reactive

• More like yourself

That doesn’t come from pushing harder. It comes from supporting your nervous system and keeping your basics in place.

If this season feels heavy, start small.

Your body and brain will meet you halfway.

You don’t need to do everything.

You just need to do something that helps you feel safe and steady.

Happy Holidays!