Overbooked and Overwhelmed? How to Stop, Collaborate, and Listen This Season

Stop, Collaborate, and Listen: Why Slowing Down is the Key to Holiday Joy

The holiday season is here, and for many of us, that means packed schedules, endless to-do lists, and a constant race to the finish line. Sound familiar? If you’ve found yourself saying, “I just need to make it through the end of the year,” you’re not alone. But what if this mindset is robbing you of the joy this season has to offer?

The Problem with Pushing Through

In our go-go-go culture, it can feel almost impossible to slow down. We push through exhaustion, ignore the signs our bodies are giving us, and tell ourselves we’ll rest later. But often, “later” never comes. Instead, we find ourselves burned out, missing the moments that make the season special, and sometimes even forced to stop due to illness or stress overload.

I recently had my own forced pause when a packed weekend left me drained and, quite literally, sick. Feeling no choice but to rest, I was reminded of something powerful:

Why Pausing is Powerful

Pausing is more than just taking a break. It’s about creating intentional space to recalibrate your mind, body, and soul. When we hit pause, we allow ourselves to:

1. Reassess Priorities: What’s truly important right now? Are there tasks or commitments you can let go of?

2. Refuel Energy: Rest isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. A well-rested body and mind perform better and enjoy more.

3. Reconnect: Slowing down gives us a chance to be present with our loved ones and ourselves, appreciating the season for what it is.

   
   

Stop, Collaborate, and Listen

So, how can you incorporate this idea of pausing into your life? It starts with three steps: (yes the same ones shared in that good ol 90’s hit)

1. Stop

   Take a moment to assess where you’re overcommitted. Maybe it’s time to say no to another holiday party or buy cookies instead of baking them from scratch. Stopping isn’t about giving up; it’s about making space for what matters.

2. Collaborate

   Who can you lean on for support? This could mean asking a family member to help with errands, delegating tasks at work, or even collaborating with yourself by setting boundaries and managing expectations. Collaboration makes the load lighter and the journey more joyful.

3. Listen

   What is your body telling you? What is your intuition nudging you toward? Listening to yourself can guide you to the changes you need to make, whether it’s more rest, more joy, or simply more presence.

Small Changes, Big Impact

Implementing these ideas doesn’t require a complete life overhaul. Start small:

• Schedule a night off to rest or spend time with loved ones.

• Say no to one commitment that doesn’t align with your priorities.

• Take a 10-minute pause during your day to breathe, reflect, and recharge.

Closing Thoughts

The holiday hustle doesn’t have to define your season. By taking intentional moments to stop, collaborate, and listen, you can create space for joy, connection, and true holiday magic. And here’s the secret: this mindset doesn’t just apply to the holidays. It’s a strategy you can carry into the new year and beyond.

So, where can you hit pause in your life today? I’d love to hear how you’re creating space for what truly matters: let’s connect!

We got this!

EXTRAS:

**Interested in what coaching could do for you? Complete this ⁠inquiry form⁠ and I’ll be in touch! It's time to see if coaching could be the pivotal tool in your corner to help you step into alignment with your deeper purpose too!

**Managing my time effectively has helped create space for more purpose-aligned actions. Grab your free copy of my Top 10 Time Freedom Tips Here!

**Is it time to quit that j.o.b. that is no longer serving you? But, you're not sure how to prepare yourself for your big quit? Grab the FREE "I want to quit my job" Preparation Checklist