How Moms Can Relieve Holiday Stress by Prioritizing Themselves

The Power of the Holiday Reset: Why Scheduling Time for Yourself Isn’t Selfish

It’s the holidays, and your calendar is exploding.

School concerts. Elf-on-the-Shelf. The classroom party signup. Gift shopping. Travel planning. Cookie exchanges.
You’re booked—and somehow, you’re still the one expected to make it all happen.

Here’s the problem: Most moms are running with full bars on the outside… and zero actual connection inside.

You might look “on” like your Wi-Fi is strong—but if nothing’s loading? You’re not functioning.

That’s why one of the most powerful things you can do this holiday season is this:

📆 Schedule time for yourself—and treat it like it matters.

Your System Needs a Reboot Too

A couple weeks ago, I sat down to get some work done.
My Wi-Fi icon looked great—full bars, strong connection… and nothing was loading.

I checked the settings. Restarted the app. Switched devices. Still nothing.

You know what fixed it?

🔌 I unplugged the router. Waited. Plugged it back in. Everything worked again.

As Anne Lamott says:

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes… including you.”

Why Moms Are the Most Likely to Burn Out

According to the Verywell Mind 2022 Holiday Stress Survey, 91% of moms report feeling stressed or anxious during the holidays—significantly higher than any other group (source).

And yet? We’re also the group least likely to schedule breaks for ourselves.

Why? Because the mental load doesn’t just include tasks—it includes guilt.

But here’s what I want you to remember:
✅ Breaks are not indulgent.
✅ Rest is not optional.
✅ Recharging is leadership.

You can’t keep pouring from an empty mug, especially when you’re trying to lead your family with love, peace, and presence.

How to Create Your Holiday Reset Plan

This isn’t about escaping your life. It’s about building space into it so you can function with clarity and calm.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Look at your calendar now and block 1–2 windows

Pick your most overloaded weeks (you probably know which ones already) and carve out a few sacred time blocks. Even 30 minutes counts.

Examples:

• Friday night bath and audiobook
  
• Solo coffee shop date
  
• A walk without AirPods
  
• A standing “no plans” Sunday night
  

2. Give it a name and treat it like an appointment

Don’t just say “maybe rest.” Call it what it is: Mom Reset Hour or Holiday Unplug Ritual
Put it on your digital calendar, add a reminder, and protect it from other asks.

3. Choose a ritual that restores you

Not every “break” is restorative.
Netflix binges and phone scrolls feel relaxing in the moment—but don’t always leave you recharged.

Choose something that truly helps you return to yourself. You’ll know it because it will feel like relief instead of distraction.