When the Holidays Hurt: 5 Ways to Reclaim Your Peace

When the Holidays Hurt: 5 Ways to Reclaim Your Peace

The holiday season can bring waves of anxiety and depression alongside its promise. Between perfect celebrations, family dynamics, and endless to-do lists, it's easy to lose sight of the peace God promises.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, you're not alone. Even the psalmist cried out, "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him" (Psalm 42:11).

As a massage therapist and life coach, I've witnessed how anxiety settles into our bodies—tight shoulders, clenched jaws, shallow breathing. Our bodies keep score of every worry.

But God created us as integrated beings. When Jesus says "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you" (John 14:27), He's offering wholeness that touches body, mind, and spirit.

5 Ways to Reclaim Your Peace

1. Practice Sacred Boundaries

Give yourself permission to say no. "Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life" (Proverbs 4:23). Setting boundaries creates space for the rest your soul craves.

2. Create Quiet Moments with God

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). Even fifteen minutes matters. Notice where you're holding tension. Take three deep breaths and invite God's peace to flow through you.

3. Release Physical Tension

Anxiety lives in our bodies. When we address physical stress through therapeutic touch, breathwork, and rest, we access God's peace more easily. "Your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit" (1 Corinthians 6:19). Caring for yourself is worship.

4. Practice Daily Gratitude

"Give thanks in all circumstances" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). List three things you're grateful for each day. When anxiety rises, thank God for something physical—sunlight, a meal, a deep breath. This quiets spiraling thoughts.

5. Reach Out for Support

Don't isolate yourself. "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2).

You weren't meant to carry this alone.

Your Invitation to Wholeness

Overcoming anxiety isn't about more willpower—it's about surrendering to God (1 Peter 5:7) and honoring how He created you. When we invite God into our healing journey, real transformation begins. This holiday season, what if you gave yourself permission to simply show up as you are—broken, beautiful, and beloved?

Ready to Go Deeper?

I'd love to walk alongside you as you move beyond surviving to truly thriving. Together, we'll uncover root causes of anxiety, address the body-mind-spirit connection, identify your God-given purpose, and build practical tools for lasting peace.

Schedule your complimentary discovery call today.

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

- Psalm 34:18