Episode 141: Holiday Stress - Why It Hits Hard & How to Protect Your Peace

In this episode of The Life Lived Better Podcast, Joseph and Paula slow things down to talk about something nearly all of us face this time of year: holiday stress. While the season promises joy, connection, and celebration, it often brings pressure, overwhelm, and exhaustion instead. You’re not alone—research shows that nearly 9 in 10 Americans feel stressed during the holidays, and for many, emotional well-being takes a hit.

Paula and Joseph unpack why the holidays can feel so heavy—family expectations, financial strain, loneliness, grief, overpacked schedules, workplace pressure, and the myth of the “perfect” season. They also explore how mental health conditions, substance use challenges, and seasonal depression can intensify this time of year.

But this episode isn’t just about naming the stress—it’s about easing it. Drawing from expert guidance and real-life experience, your hosts share practical strategies for navigating the season with more intention and compassion. You’ll hear helpful tips on setting boundaries, simplifying travel, mindful gift giving, staying grounded with food and alcohol choices, protecting your time, honoring grief, and reaching out for support when you need it.

Whether the holidays fill you with excitement, dread, or a complicated mix of both, this conversation is here to help you breathe a little easier. The season doesn’t have to drain you—it can still fill you up, one conscious choice at a time.

Do you have any questions? If you have a question for Joseph and Paula to answer during a future episode of Questions for Counselors, reach out through the website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.lifelivedbetter.net⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[e-mail] ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Just a reminder - anything shared by the pair during this and all other episodes is based on personal experiences and opinions. It is not to be viewed as professional counseling or advice and is solely the opinion of the individual and does not represent their employers or profession.

We would love for you to rate our show and tell others about us. And remember, Knowledge leads to a Life Lived Better.

Resources used or mentioned in this episode

• 10 tips to reduce stress and take care of yourself during the holidays | Cultivating Health | UC Davis Health
• 4 Mindful Tips to De-Stress This Holiday Season | Johns Hopkins Medicine
• 16 Easy Tips to Relieve Stress and Reduce Anxiety
• 9 Causes of Holiday Stress and How to Manage Them