Resting Through the Holidays: Why Doing Less Makes You More Present 💤😌

The holidays are often framed as a season of joy, togetherness, & celebration. Yet for many women—especially those balancing work, family, & emotional labor—it can feel more like a marathon of obligations than a time of peace. This is where resting through the holidays becomes not just helpful, but necessary.

We’re conditioned to believe that doing more creates more meaningful moments. More events. More traditions. More productivity. And honey have I been on the “more” train the last month! But presence doesn’t come from packed schedules—it comes from having the capacity to actually experience what’s happening around you. I’m working on this since I’m a Multitask Queen, & I’m still learning every day…

Why Resting Through the Holidays Matters 👆🏽

When your calendar is overflowing, your nervous system rarely gets a chance to settle. Chronic busyness keeps your mind racing ahead to the next task, pulling you out of the present moment. Resting through the holidays allows your body & mind to slow down enough to notice what truly matters: conversations, laughter, stillness, & connection.

Rest isn’t laziness. It’s regulation. It’s choosing sustainability over survival mode. Even the Good Lord rested, so who are we to think we don’t need rest?

Doing Less Creates More Presence 😌

Presence requires energy. When you’re exhausted, even joyful moments can feel like something to get through rather than something to savor. By doing less, you create space to:

• Listen without rushing

• Engage without distraction

• Feel without overwhelm

Resting through the holidays may look like saying no to events that drain you, simplifying traditions, or intentionally scheduling downtime. Each choice to do less is a choice to be more present.

I can attest to not really feeling “there” during this holiday season. I was hyped for Thanksgiving (eating without limits makes this my fav holiday), but my energy was almost on E from working so much. I literally went straight from the desk to the parentals’ house. And Christmas…the spirit still hasn’t hit me. There’s always next year…

Let Go of Holiday Pressure ✌🏽

Much of holiday stress comes from unspoken expectations—both internal & external. Ask yourself:

• What actually feels meaningful to me this season?

• What am I doing out of obligation rather than alignment?

• Where can I release perfection & choose peace?

You’re allowed to redefine what the holidays look like. Resting through the holidays gives you permission to honor your needs without guilt. Although I worked 10 hours yesterday & another 12 today, I rested when I left the desk. But I have all intention to rest during the next holiday: New Year’s Eve/Day aka my anniversary.

Gentle Ways to Rest During the Holidays 😊

Rest doesn’t have to mean disengaging completely, even though that’s exactly what I need right about now mentally, physically, & emotionally. It can be woven into your days in small, intentional ways like these that I try to do daily:

• Start your morning with quiet journaling or reflection

• Build in buffer time between commitments

• Create technology-free moments with loved ones

• End your day with a gratitude or release practice

These moments of pause help your body reset & your mind return to the present.

A Season to Be, Not Just Do 🎁

At Intentionally Evolve, we believe rest is a form of self-trust. When you allow yourself to slow down, you’re choosing to experience the holidays rather than rush through them. Resting through the holidays isn’t about missing out—it’s about finally being here for it.

This season, let doing less be the reason you feel more. Happy holidays, my people!