As we step into December, everything begins to speed up. The diaries fill, the to-do lists grow, and the pressure to “hold it all together”. With work. family and social commitments our mental loads become much heavier. Even when we’re excited for the festive season, there’s often a background buzz of tension that can leave us feeling overstimulated, tired, or disconnected from ourselves.
Last week we explored how conscious micro-habits can rebuild our focus and motivation in gentle, sustainable ways. This week we’re going deeper into nervous system soothing, so that the energy you’re building from your micro-habits actually feels grounded, supported, and sustainable. Not rushed or overwhelming, because progress means nothing if your nervous system is fried.
Why Nervous System Soothing Matters (Especially in December)
December amplifies everything. Joy, stress, expectations, emotions, responsibilities. Your nervous system doesn’t know the difference between good busy and bad busy. It only knows intensity.
When the load increases, even from things you enjoy, your system shifts into:
Fight ~ rushing, pushing, irritability.
Flight ~ feeling scattered, overwhelmed, unable to focus.
Freeze ~ fatigue, shutdown, no motivation.
Fawn ~ people-pleasing, saying yes to everything, ignoring your needs.
Nervous system soothing helps you soften these responses before they build. It brings you back into regulation, where you feel grounded, present, and capable.
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The Bridge Between Micro-Habits & Nervous System Health
Micro-habits help create structure, but nervous system practices help create capacity. Without capacity, habits fall apart. This is why so many of us go “all in”, burn out, and then feel like we’re starting again. The nervous system hasn’t been supported. Soothing practices hold your micro-habits so they can take root. They help you stay consistent through the busiest season of the year, instead of being swept away by it.
Simple Nervous System Soothers for the Busy Season
These can be woven into your day without adding pressure, which is especially important in December when time feels tight and overloaded.
1. The 30-Second Exhale
Long exhales tell your body: You’re safe.
Inhale for 4, exhale for 6, repeat for 30 seconds.
Instant grounding.
2. Sensory Grounding
Place one hand on your chest and one on your belly.
Feel weight, warmth, and the rise and fall of your breath.
This anchors you back into your body when your mind is racing ahead.
3. Softening Your Jaw + Shoulders
Two of the first places we hold holiday-season tension.
Drop them. Release them. Notice your nervous system soften within seconds.
Smiling is a great way to release tension in your face and instantly soften your energy.
4. Micro-Moments of Stillness
Not full meditation ~ just pauses.
3 breaths before getting out of the car.
A moment of quiet before you walk into a shop.
A slow sip of tea without multitasking.
5. “Lower the Bar” Days
Some days we need less, not more. Just the other day I was trying to cram so much in when all I wanted to do was rest. So I gave in and rested and was able to go back to my tasks later in a much calmer and refreshed energy.
It’s not falling behind, it’s regulating. It’s ok, and more importantly it’s needed. Let yourself honour that.
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Your December Reminder
Pay attention to how you feel. You’re allowed to move through December with softness, intention, and steadiness. Nervous system soothing helps you enjoy the parts of the month that matter, without sacrificing your energy or emotional well-being. The more you support your system now, the more you’ll carry into the new year with enjoyment, clarity, focus, and grounded motivation. May we all feel merry and bright.
Stay present ✌🏻
Love & gratitude,
Trace x
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