December 18, 2025 • 10 mins
A mindful "Coffee Break for the Soul" when the festive season feels overwhelming.
By the 19th of December, the world outside can feel incredibly loud. There is a pressure to be busy and a pressure to "perform happiness" that can feel heavy on the soul.
In this special "Coffee Break for the Soul," Martin offers you a sanctuary. Whether you are feeling the weight of solitude this year or simply the exhaustion of the season, this is your place to feel safe and just be.
In this 10-minute session, we will:
Time Chapters:
0:00 - Introduction: The pressure to perform happiness
0:59 - Finding your safe space & deep breathing
2:07 - Body Scan: Releasing "unspoken words" from the jaw
3:34 - Heart Space: Holding grief and longing with kindness
4:53 - Reframing: Solitude as a sanctuary
5:37 - Affirmations: "It is okay to have a quiet Christmas"
8:40 - Community Reminder: You are not invisible
09:28 - Conclusion & Call to Action
👉 Click to subscribe and unlock ad-free episodes now!
Support the Show:Ad-Free Listening: Enjoy Calming Anxiety without ads at https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/calming-anxiety--4110266/support
Buy Me a Coffee: Support hosting costs at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/calminganxiety
Rate & Review: Leave a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to help us reach more listeners!
Resources & Courses:Book Hypnotherapy: Schedule a one-on-one session with Martin at https://calendar.app.google/rXHMt8sRYft5iWma8 Pain & Anxiety Course:
Manage negative thoughts and pain with The Physio Crew’s course at https://offers.thephysiocrew.co.uk/home-pain
Breathing Challenge: Try our relaxing breathing challenge at https://www.martinhewlett.co.uk/breathing-challenge/
Gift a Subscription: Share Calming Anxiety with loved ones at https://www.martinhewlett.co.uk/shop/calming-anxiety-gift-subscription/
Get the App:iOS: Download Calming Anxiety at https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/calming-anxiety/id1576159331 Android:
Get it on Google Play at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=digital.waterfront.calming.anxiety&hl=en-GB
Connect With Us:Email: Share feedback or requests at calminganxiety@martinhewlett.co.uk
YouTube: Watch all episodes at https://www.youtube.com/c/calminganxiety?sub_confirmation=1
Social Media Support: For younger listeners struggling with social media stress, visit https://www.icanhelp.net/
Backing Music: Chris Collins
===================
Affiliate links to the gear I use the items that give me a more tranquil life.
Rode Podmic - https://amzn.to/3LN1JEd
Zoom Livetrak L8 - https://amzn.to/36UCIby
Sony ZV 1 - https://amzn.to/3JvDUPT
GoPro Hero 8 Black - https://amzn.to/372rzFl
DJI Mini 2 - https://amzn.to/3NQfMdY
=============================
Items I use for a more relaxed way of life :)
Organic Pure Hemp CBD Capsules - ht
By the 19th of December, the world outside can feel incredibly loud. There is a pressure to be busy and a pressure to "perform happiness" that can feel heavy on the soul.
In this special "Coffee Break for the Soul," Martin offers you a sanctuary. Whether you are feeling the weight of solitude this year or simply the exhaustion of the season, this is your place to feel safe and just be.
In this 10-minute session, we will:
- Release the Pressure: Put down the to-do lists and the expectations of the holidays.
- Somatic Body Scan: Unclench the jaw where we hold "unspoken words" and melt stress away from the shoulders.
- Heal the Heart Space: Breathe into feelings of grief or longing without needing to "fix" them.
- Reframe Solitude: Discover how to turn loneliness into a peaceful sanctuary.
- Affirmations: Powerful reminders that "It is okay to have a quiet Christmas" and that you are enough, exactly as you are.
Time Chapters:
0:00 - Introduction: The pressure to perform happiness
0:59 - Finding your safe space & deep breathing
2:07 - Body Scan: Releasing "unspoken words" from the jaw
3:34 - Heart Space: Holding grief and longing with kindness
4:53 - Reframing: Solitude as a sanctuary
5:37 - Affirmations: "It is okay to have a quiet Christmas"
8:40 - Community Reminder: You are not invisible
09:28 - Conclusion & Call to Action
👉 Click to subscribe and unlock ad-free episodes now!
Support the Show:Ad-Free Listening: Enjoy Calming Anxiety without ads at https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/calming-anxiety--4110266/support
Buy Me a Coffee: Support hosting costs at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/calminganxiety
Rate & Review: Leave a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to help us reach more listeners!
Resources & Courses:Book Hypnotherapy: Schedule a one-on-one session with Martin at https://calendar.app.google/rXHMt8sRYft5iWma8 Pain & Anxiety Course:
Manage negative thoughts and pain with The Physio Crew’s course at https://offers.thephysiocrew.co.uk/home-pain
Breathing Challenge: Try our relaxing breathing challenge at https://www.martinhewlett.co.uk/breathing-challenge/
Gift a Subscription: Share Calming Anxiety with loved ones at https://www.martinhewlett.co.uk/shop/calming-anxiety-gift-subscription/
Get the App:iOS: Download Calming Anxiety at https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/calming-anxiety/id1576159331 Android:
Get it on Google Play at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=digital.waterfront.calming.anxiety&hl=en-GB
Connect With Us:Email: Share feedback or requests at calminganxiety@martinhewlett.co.uk
YouTube: Watch all episodes at https://www.youtube.com/c/calminganxiety?sub_confirmation=1
Social Media Support: For younger listeners struggling with social media stress, visit https://www.icanhelp.net/
Backing Music: Chris Collins
===================
Affiliate links to the gear I use the items that give me a more tranquil life.
Rode Podmic - https://amzn.to/3LN1JEd
Zoom Livetrak L8 - https://amzn.to/36UCIby
Sony ZV 1 - https://amzn.to/3JvDUPT
GoPro Hero 8 Black - https://amzn.to/372rzFl
DJI Mini 2 - https://amzn.to/3NQfMdY
=============================
Items I use for a more relaxed way of life :)
Organic Pure Hemp CBD Capsules - ht
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Welcome in to calming anxiety and coping with Christmas loneliness.
(00:08):
Your 10 minute song reset.
I'm Martin and this is your coffee break for the song.
I just want to say thanks for pressing play today.
I know that by the 19th of December the world outside can feel so incredibly loud.
(00:31):
There is a pressure to be busy and a pressure to be happy that can sometimes feel so heavy.
So for the next 10 minutes let's put all of that down.
Whether you're feeling the weight of solitude this year or just exhaustion of the season,
(00:51):
this is your place to feel safe and just be.
Let's begin by finding a comfortable position somewhere quiet.
If you are sitting take a moment to rarely feel the chair beneath you and if you're lying
(01:14):
down feel the support of the floor or the bed.
Close your eyes if it feels safe to do so.
I want you to take a deep slow breath in through your nose filling your chest and stomach.
(01:35):
Hold it for a second at the top and then let it out with a long slow sigh.
Let us do that again.
Breathe in deeply inviting a sense of stillness into your body and then breathe out.
(01:58):
Letting go of the tattoo lists and the expectations.
We are going to move into a body scan now to release the physical tension that a holiday
is often bring.
Let's start by bringing your attention to your forehead and eyes.
(02:23):
Soften your brow.
Let the tiny muscles within and around your eyes just relax.
Move down to your jaw.
Unclench your teeth and let your tongue fall away from the roof of your mouth.
We often hold so many unspoken words in our jaw.
(02:48):
Truly let them go.
Lower your shoulders away from your ears.
Imagine a warm heavy blanket is resting on them melting away the stress.
Then hold for a second and then as you exhale allow yourself this wonderful gift, this moment
(03:18):
of time to release to one wine to drift deeply within the sanctuary of your consciousness.
Bring your awareness now to your chest and your heart space.
(03:39):
This time of year can make our hearts feel a little tender.
Maybe there is grief there or a longing for a connection.
That's ok.
You do not need to fix it right now.
Just breathe into that space.
(04:01):
Imagine your breath is a soft healing light expanding through your chest with every inhale
and softening it with every exhale.
Move down to your stomach now.
If there is a knot of anxiety there, imagine it slowly untying itself.
(04:28):
You are safe here.
You are grounded.
You are in control.
Breathe out and unwind.
As we settle now into this deepest state of relaxation, I want to speak to those of you
(04:53):
who might be facing solitude this Christmas.
And alone does not mean you are unworthy of love.
Solitude can be a sanctuary.
I am going to share some affirmations with you now.
You can repeat them silently in your mind or just let them wash over you like a wave of
(05:19):
comfort.
Whichever you choose, imagine the words seeing them bright, bold and powerful in your
own mind's eye.
Feel them.
I am enough exactly as I am.
(05:48):
My company is valuable and I enjoy my own presence.
It is okay to have a quiet Christmas.
(06:12):
I release the pressure to perform happiness for others.
I am connected to the world in ways I cannot see.
(06:36):
My peace is my priority.
I am loved even in the silence.
(06:57):
I am my own best friend and I treat myself with kindness.
Allow those words to settle in your heart.
(07:17):
You might feel a shift in your energy, a realization that peace is not found in a crowded
room that right here in the center of your own being.
You have the strength to navigate this season.
You have the resilience to turn loneliness into a peaceful solitude where you can recharge
(07:45):
and heal.
And small, mindfully, inhale through your nose, breathing in self-worth, compassion, love,
hold for a moment and then as you breathe out, allow the muscle fibers to loosen, to lengthen,
(08:15):
and feel yourself drifting deeply within.
Safe within the sanctuary of your beautiful mind.
Now take a deep breath in reclaiming your power and exhale knowing you have just reset
(08:37):
your soul.
And as we come to the end of this session, I want to remind you of something important,
even if you are physically alone this week.
You are part of this community.
There are thousands of people breathing with you right now listening to this voice just
(09:01):
like you are.
We are all connected by this shared desire for peace.
Take another calm breath and as you exhale gently wiggle your fingers and toes.
Take another deep breath and this time when you are ready, open your eyes.
(09:28):
If you are finding this week particularly hard, please do reach out, leave a comment below
or just send a thought out to the universe.
You are not invisible.
Thank you for letting me be a part of your day.
If this session helped you, please consider sharing it with someone who might also need
(09:51):
a quiet moment.
Subscribe if you haven't already so you meet again for another coffee break.
Smile often, think positive thoughts and to your beautiful self.
Be kind.
(10:13):
Welcome in to calming anxiety and coping with Christmas loneliness.
(00:08):
Your 10 minute song reset.
I'm Martin and this is your coffee break for the song.
I just want to say thanks for pressing play today.
I know that by the 19th of December the world outside can feel so incredibly loud.
(00:31):
There is a pressure to be busy and a pressure to be happy that can sometimes feel so heavy.
So for the next 10 minutes let's put all of that down.
Whether you're feeling the weight of solitude this year or just exhaustion of the season,
(00:51):
this is your place to feel safe and just be.
Let's begin by finding a comfortable position somewhere quiet.
If you are sitting take a moment to rarely feel the chair beneath you and if you're lying
(01:14):
down feel the support of the floor or the bed.
Close your eyes if it feels safe to do so.
I want you to take a deep slow breath in through your nose filling your chest and stomach.
(01:35):
Hold it for a second at the top and then let it out with a long slow sigh.
Let us do that again.
Breathe in deeply inviting a sense of stillness into your body and then breathe out.
(01:58):
Letting go of the tattoo lists and the expectations.
We are going to move into a body scan now to release the physical tension that a holiday
is often bring.
Let's start by bringing your attention to your forehead and eyes.
(02:23):
Soften your brow.
Let the tiny muscles within and around your eyes just relax.
Move down to your jaw.
Unclench your teeth and let your tongue fall away from the roof of your mouth.
We often hold so many unspoken words in our jaw.
(02:48):
Truly let them go.
Lower your shoulders away from your ears.
Imagine a warm heavy blanket is resting on them melting away the stress.
Then hold for a second and then as you exhale allow yourself this wonderful gift, this moment
(03:18):
of time to release to one wine to drift deeply within the sanctuary of your consciousness.
Bring your awareness now to your chest and your heart space.
(03:39):
This time of year can make our hearts feel a little tender.
Maybe there is grief there or a longing for a connection.
That's ok.
You do not need to fix it right now.
Just breathe into that space.
(04:01):
Imagine your breath is a soft healing light expanding through your chest with every inhale
and softening it with every exhale.
Move down to your stomach now.
If there is a knot of anxiety there, imagine it slowly untying itself.
(04:28):
You are safe here.
You are grounded.
You are in control.
Breathe out and unwind.
As we settle now into this deepest state of relaxation, I want to speak to those of you
(04:53):
who might be facing solitude this Christmas.
And alone does not mean you are unworthy of love.
Solitude can be a sanctuary.
I am going to share some affirmations with you now.
You can repeat them silently in your mind or just let them wash over you like a wave of
(05:19):
comfort.
Whichever you choose, imagine the words seeing them bright, bold and powerful in your
own mind's eye.
Feel them.
I am enough exactly as I am.
(05:48):
My company is valuable and I enjoy my own presence.
It is okay to have a quiet Christmas.
(06:12):
I release the pressure to perform happiness for others.
I am connected to the world in ways I cannot see.
(06:36):
My peace is my priority.
I am loved even in the silence.
(06:57):
I am my own best friend and I treat myself with kindness.
Allow those words to settle in your heart.
(07:17):
You might feel a shift in your energy, a realization that peace is not found in a crowded
room that right here in the center of your own being.
You have the strength to navigate this season.
You have the resilience to turn loneliness into a peaceful solitude where you can recharge
(07:45):
and heal.
And small, mindfully, inhale through your nose, breathing in self-worth, compassion, love,
hold for a moment and then as you breathe out, allow the muscle fibers to loosen, to lengthen,
(08:15):
and feel yourself drifting deeply within.
Safe within the sanctuary of your beautiful mind.
Now take a deep breath in reclaiming your power and exhale knowing you have just reset
(08:37):
your soul.
And as we come to the end of this session, I want to remind you of something important,
even if you are physically alone this week.
You are part of this community.
There are thousands of people breathing with you right now listening to this voice just
(09:01):
like you are.
We are all connected by this shared desire for peace.
Take another calm breath and as you exhale gently wiggle your fingers and toes.
Take another deep breath and this time when you are ready, open your eyes.
(09:28):
If you are finding this week particularly hard, please do reach out, leave a comment below
or just send a thought out to the universe.
You are not invisible.
Thank you for letting me be a part of your day.
If this session helped you, please consider sharing it with someone who might also need
(09:51):
a quiet moment.
Subscribe if you haven't already so you meet again for another coffee break.
Smile often, think positive thoughts and to your beautiful self.
Be kind.
(10:13):
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