Today we're talking about the kind of rest physician spouses actually need during the holidays—especially when the whole world seems to slow down while your home ramps up.
If you're carrying the family load while navigating your spouse's demanding end-of-year schedule, this episode was made for you.

Rest—not the "add another task to your list" kind, but the biological, necessary kind that helps you survive and stay present during an already overwhelming season.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The three types of rest most depleted in physician families during the holidays

• How emotional suppression drains your energy (and what to do instead)

• Why some social interactions restore you—and others drain you

• How sensory overload impacts your brain and your patience

• Micro-practices you can implement this week, not "when things calm down"

You'll hear:

• A vivid scene of what emotional overload looks like for a physician spouse on December 16th

• A powerful reframe that your kids don't need you to overcompensate—they need your authenticity

• Practical micro-practices for emotional, social, and sensory rest that take 1–3 minutes

This episode is especially for you if:

• You're carrying the mental, emotional, and logistical load while your partner works unpredictable hours

• You feel guilty for needing support because your spouse is already exhausted

• You want the holiday season to feel more grounded—but you have no idea where to start

• Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith's Rest Quiz: restquiz.com

• Sacred Rest by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith

• Micro-practices for emotional, social, and sensory rest (from the episode)

• Need help applying this work? Book a coaching session with Kendra

• Get email updates + free resources: www.supportingphysicianspouses.com

• Follow us on Instagram: @supportingphysicianspouses

• Learn about coaching & support for physician spouses: www.itgetsbetternow.com

In this episode, Katie and Kendra talk honestly about what it's like to attend holiday events solo as a physician spouse. From classroom parties to winter concerts, this season often highlights the unique pressures physician families face. We normalize the mixed emotions, offer simple ways to reduce the pressure to "perform," and share strategies to stay connected with your partner and present with your kids—even when you're the only adult who can be there.

• Your presence matters more than perfection. Kids remember how it felt, not whether two parents were in the audience.

• Normalize your emotions. Feeling sad, overwhelmed, or disappointed doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong.

• Prepare yourself and your kids ahead of time. A quick, calm conversation before the event can reduce meltdowns and help everyone feel grounded.

• Have a simple response ready when someone asks, "Where's your spouse?"—something warm, brief, and not emotionally loaded.

• You don't have to overcompensate. Be present, not perfect.

• Stay connected as a couple. Share short videos, send a quick voice memo, or debrief the moment afterward so your partner still gets to be part of it.

• Find solidarity. Look for the other solo parents—you're not the only one.

Here are the resources mentioned in today's episode along with ways to connect more deeply with our community:

• See, Say, Feel, Do Framework

• Holiday routines & grounding rituals we referenced throughout the conversation

• Kendra's Coaching: It Gets Better Now
  Personalized coaching for physician spouses navigating seasons of stress, transition, and identity shifts.

• Instagram (@supportingphysicianspouses)
  Daily encouragement, tools, and community for the physician family journey.

• Join SPS Office Hours
  Monthly drop-in coaching and conversation—a space to get support, ask questions, and connect with other physician spouses in real time.

• Podcast Website / Additional Resources
  Access downloads, guides, and past episodes all in one place.

In this honest solo episode, Katie shares what's coming up for her as December begins—resistance, overwhelm, perfectionism, small-space stress, seasonal energy dips, and the pressure to "make magic" during the holidays. Instead of powering through it, she slows down and walks through the SEE–SAY–FEEL–DO framework in real time to bring intention, clarity, and compassion into the season.

If you're feeling behind, heavy, stretched thin, or unsure how to make the holidays feel good for you, this episode will feel like a breath of fresh air.

• Overwhelmed by the holiday mental load

• Pressure to buy, curate, or perform your way into "magic"

• Exhausted before the season even begins

• Triggered by small-space decorating or clutter

• A dip in energy or mood as the days get darker

• Like you're doing the emotional labor and planning alone

• Unsure how you want the holidays to feel

• Behind the Mic email list

• Office Hours with Kendra and Katie

• It Gets Better Now Coaching with Kendra

• The Minimalist Christmas by Meg Nordmann