Thriving, Not Just Surviving: Holiday Stress Edition
Hey there,
The holidays were never meant to feel like a performance.
And yet, for so many of us — especially women in the thick of careers, caregiving, and perimenopause — this season can feel less like joy… and more like juggling.
Before you find yourself carrying the emotional load, the family expectations, and the endless to-do list, I want to offer a few physician-guided, heart-centered reminders to help you not just survive the holidays, but truly thrive in them.
Because your well-being is worth protecting — especially now.
1. Protect your energy like it’s an appointment on your calendar.
Rest is not laziness; it’s physiology.
Perimenopausal bodies don’t compensate as easily for late nights, skipped meals, or overfilled schedules.
Try this: Block off two “non-negotiable rest windows” per week — even 20 minutes counts.
2. Choose the traditions that bring joy… not guilt.
You don’t have to bake the cookies, host the dinner, or attend every event to be a good mom, partner, or friend.
Your family would rather have you present and peaceful than perfect and exhausted.
3. Keep your blood sugar steady — your mood will follow.
Holiday stress hits harder when you’re living on coffee, charcuterie boards, and wishful thinking.
Aim to:
- Eat protein first
- Hydrate before the party
Carry a small snack if you’re prone to dips in blood sugar
4. Notice what your body is whispering before it starts shouting.
Perimenopause can amplify everything — sleep changes, irritability, anxiety, the sense that “something is off.”
If you catch these early, they’re easier to manage.
5. Give yourself permission to do things the easy way.
Order the meal. Buy the wrapping paper already cut. Use grocery pickup.
Ease is not indulgence — it’s strategy.
6. Reconnect with something that grounds you.
A walk at dusk, a quiet cup of tea, reading by the tree, or five minutes of slow breathing before everyone wakes up.
Tiny rituals are medicine.
A final reminder…
You are the emotional center of your household. When you are cared for, everyone feels it.
At Deserving of Joy, my goal is to help you step into a season — and a future — where your health is supported, your time is respected, and your well-being is a priority.
Sign up as a new member here: https://deserving-of-joy.hint.com/signup
Already a member? Schedule your first visits here: https://deservingofjoy.com/appointments
Warmly,
Dr. Kristy Mount
Deserving of Joy: Direct Primary Care