The holiday season brings joy, celebration, and connection, but it can also bring stress, deadlines, and the pressure to do it all. From juggling work responsibilities to managing family expectations, it’s easy to feel overextended. Finding balance means being intentional about how you organize your time, set boundaries, and care for yourself. Here’s how you can make this season more manageable and meaningful.

Stay Organized

A little planning goes a long way in reducing stress and keeping your priorities clear during a busy season.

📋 Making a master list combining work tasks, family commitments, and holiday errands in one place helps you see the big picture and avoid last-minute surprises.

📋 Prioritize what matters most, both personally and professionally, and let go of what’s not critical.

📋 Plan ahead by scheduling time for shopping, events, and relaxation so you’re not scrambling at the last minute. At work, finish priority tasks early and set an out-of-office message before your break to ensure a smooth transition.

Set Personal Boundaries & Practice Self-Care

Balance isn’t just about perfection; it’s about making intentional choices that support your well-being. This holiday season, give yourself the gift of time, presence, and peace.

For many, the holiday season means non-stop go-go-go, leaving little time to enjoy anything. Protect your time by:

⌚ Blocking off downtime on your calendar, treating it like an important meeting.

⌚ Limit work intrusion by turning off notifications during family time and avoiding emails after hours.

⌚ Embrace saying “no” gracefully. You don’t have to attend every event or volunteer for every task. A polite decline is better than burnout.

⌚ Self-care is just as important, so remember to move your body. Even short walks can reduce stress and boost energy. Take mindfulness moments with breathing exercises or gratitude journaling to stay grounded. Don’t know just where to start? Try one of these free apps:

  • Calm for guided meditations
  • Headspace for stress-reduction tools
  • Insight Timer for free relaxation music
  • MyLife Meditation for personal mindfulness practices

Even 10 minutes a day can make a big difference!

Avoid Overspending and Overcommitting

We all feel obligated to give beyond our financial means, but generosity isn’t measured in expensive gifts.

🎁 Create a holiday budget, decide what you can comfortably spend, and stick to it.

🎁 Gift mindfully by considering experiences or homemade gifts instead of costly purchases.

🎁 Simplify celebrations by focusing on meaningful traditions rather than trying to do everything. At home, declutter your calendar- choose quality over quantity when it comes to holiday events.

Content credit: Carey Musburger, Sr. Assistant, Learning and Organizational Development