235 - Managing Holiday Pressures: Boundaries & Self-care in a Busy Season | Life Happens the Podcast

The holidays don’t need to be perfect to be meaningful — here’s how to release the pressure and enjoy the season 💫

On this week’s episode of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we’re diving into holiday stress, perfectionism, boundaries, and the real reason so many of us feel overwhelmed this time of year. With 62% of people reporting elevated holiday stress, this conversation will help you slow down, stay grounded, and make space for joy and presence.

Whether you’re navigating family expectations, food triggers, financial pressure, or the urge to “do it all,” this episode offers practical guidance on creating a holiday season that feels peaceful and true to you.

✨ What We Talk About

• How to release holiday perfectionism and find meaning in what’s real—not what’s flawless.
• The art of saying no and the freedom that comes with not overextending yourself.
• Checking in with your emotions: A simple practice for asking, “What do I desire and need this season?”
• Setting boundaries without guilt so you can protect your peace and energy.
• Navigating triggers & pressure:
• Barb opens up about food triggers and social overwhelm as a recovering bulimic.
• Michelle shares tools for managing financial stress and releasing unrealistic expectations.

If you’ve ever felt anxious, stretched too thin, or disappointed by the holidays, this episode is your reminder: You’re allowed to slow down. You’re allowed to choose peace. You’re allowed to make this season meaningful in your own way.

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💛 Episode Topics

• Saying No to Social Pressure — Navigating invitations from friends, family, and coworkers with confidence and compassion
• Managing Financial Stress — Rethinking gift-giving, events, and the cost of “holiday expectations”
• Handling Food Triggers — Staying grounded amid pressure to overindulge
• Avoiding Overextension — Setting healthy boundaries to protect your energy and well-being
• Letting Go of Perfectionism — Releasing the need to do it all and redefining what a meaningful holiday looks like

💬 We’d love to hear from you! What insight or moment resonated most with you in this episode? Share in the comments—we truly read every one.

📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕

Today’s Episode Sponsors:

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