edition #2

WW #2 Plan for Calm Holidays: 20-Min Stress Relief Strategy

Feeling the Pre-Holiday Pressure?

Did that calendar notification just pop up? "Thanksgiving next week." 👀

If you felt a wave of tension, you're not alone. According to the American Psychological Association, 38% of people report increased stress during the holidays. But here's the good news: with a simple plan, you can join the calmer 62% who genuinely enjoy this season of connection.

I felt that familiar pre-holiday tension myself when glancing at my project list. You know the feeling – when your brain starts playing that fun game of "let's stress about everything while actually doing nothing." Sound familiar?

Let's change that today.

Welcome to Winning Wednesday

If you’re new here, welcome! Winning Wednesday is your weekly dose of motivation and momentum. Why Wednesday? Because success isn’t built on grand Monday declarations. It’s built on Wednesday resilience. These mid-week moments are your chance to reset, refocus, and keep moving forward

Each week, we share:

Quick wins for work, home, and beyond.
Actionable challenges that build momentum.
Curated resources to inspire and support you.
Evidence-based insights on personal growth, relationships, and living well.

Your 20-Minute Plan for Pre-Holiday Calm

With holiday gatherings ahead, many feel a mix of excitement and anxiety, especially about family conversations. A simple plan can ease stress and help you focus on what truly matters: being present and connecting with loved ones.

Here’s a 4-step challenge to clear the pre-holiday chaos in about 20 minutes:

Step 1: Brain Dump Everything

Take 5 minutes. Write down all your tasks – work projects, holiday prep, family commitments. Get it all out of your head and onto paper (or a digital note).

Step 2: Sort Into Categories

Now, quickly sort that list into two categories:

Must Complete Before the Holiday
Can Wait Until After Be realistic about what truly needs doing now.

Step 3: Identify Delegations

Look at your "Must Complete" list. What tasks can you hand off, ask for help with, or simplify? Don't try to do it all yourself.

Step 4: Block Focused Time

Schedule uninterrupted time blocks for your most important pre-holiday tasks. Treat this time like a crucial meeting – because it is. Protect your focus.

The goal isn’t just to check things off a list. It’s to clear your mind so you can be fully present with loved ones next week.

Reflection: Letting Go for Connection

Ask yourself: "What’s one task I can let go of this week to focus on creating calm and connection for the holidays?"

Sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is decide what not to do.

📚 Reading Corner: The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker

Discover how to transform any gathering – from hosting Thanksgiving to navigating tricky family dynamics – into a more meaningful experience. Parker offers brilliant insights on creating purpose and connection.

🔍 Cool Find: Write to Your Future Self

Reflect on what you’re thankful for this year and capture that gratitude by sending a letter to your future self with FutureMe.org. It’s a powerful way to connect with your present feelings and revisit them later.

✨ Spark Connection: Family Talk Game

Holiday conversations don’t have to be stressful. Our Family Talk Deck is a fun, easy way to spark laughter, curiosity, and genuine understanding around the dinner table. (Consider adding this to your holiday plans!)