Holiday Stress Isn’t Mandatory

The holidays don’t magically create more time — but they do give us an opportunity to choose how we spend our energy. In this episode, Cheri Flake shares practical, compassionate ways to reduce holiday stress by setting boundaries, saying no without guilt, and intentionally choosing joy. Drawing from her 25+ years as a psychotherapist, Cheri explores why over-scheduling leads to burnout, how mindfulness can transform even the most dreaded holiday tasks, and why presence — not perfection — is the real gift of the season. This episode also includes a guided loving-kindness meditation to help you reconnect with peace, abundance, and love during a busy time of year. ✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to decide what to say yes and no to during the holidays
• Why complaining increases stress — and what to do instead
• Simple mindfulness practices for shopping, gifting, and family gatherings
• Creative, thoughtful gift-giving ideas (even if it’s not your love language)
• How being present can reduce anxiety, irritability, and overwhelm
• A short, heart-centered meditation to reset your nervous system

🧘‍♀️ Mentioned in this episode:

• Weekly Meditate & Restore Yoga with Cheri at Vista Yoga (Atlanta)
• Upcoming Beach Retreat at Jekyll Island
• September meditation & yoga retreat (perfect gift idea!)

📬 Stay Connected:

• Email Cheri to receive the Holiday Gift Guide & join the mailing list:
  [e-mail]
• Website: thestresstherapist.com
• Instagram: @thestresstherapist
• Twitter/X: @stresstherapy

🎧 Credits Host: Cheri Flake
Produced & Edited by: Owen Flake