Published: 13 December 2023

In Marie Claire UK, I shared how I personally navigate the emotional intensity that can arise during the Christmas season—an experience I’ve also seen echoed in my clinical work.

The festive period, while often joyful, can also bring up hidden layers of stress, expectation, and emotional fatigue. Many of us feel pressure to be constantly cheerful or “on,” even when our inner world says otherwise. That’s why I spoke about something that’s both simple and powerful: giving yourself permission to not be okay.

Sometimes the most compassionate thing you can do is pause, breathe, and step away from the noise—whether it’s through journalling your thoughts or simply stepping outside to ground yourself. When we create space to notice how we truly feel, rather than judging or suppressing it, we begin to regulate our nervous system more effectively.

I also spoke about the weight of expectation—how much of our seasonal stress comes not from what’s happening, but from how we think things should be. Letting go of perfection and embracing what is can help you move through the holidays with more ease and presence.

Read the full article in The Stylist
"Someone who finds the Christmas period stressful? 10 top experts share the stress-relieving hacks they use themselves" By Morgan Fargo

Published: 13 December 2023

Read the article on Marie Claire: www.marieclaire.co.uk/life/health-fitness/how-to-relieve-stress-quickly