The countdown to the holidays begins. The calendar fills up. The to-do list gets louder. And before we realize what’s happening, we’re moving so fast that we stop listening—to our bodies, our emotions, our intuition. It is Quiet Burnout.
We tell ourselves it’s just a busy season. That we’ll slow down after the holidays. That everyone feels this way.
But for women, that disconnect hits harder—and lasts longer.
I know, because I’ve lived it.
For years, I prided myself on “pushing through.” I wore exhaustion like a badge of honor. I told myself I didn’t have time to slow down. There were commitments to keep, people to show up for, expectations to meet.
What I didn’t realize at the time was that my body was talking to me. It spoke through exhaustion that no amount of sleep seemed to fix. Through overwhelm that felt constant.
Through puffiness, mood swings, irritability, and that low-grade feeling of being on edge all the time.
Here’s the truth I wish I had learned sooner:
Ignoring your needs doesn’t make them go away. It just makes them louder.
Eventually, the whispers become nudges.
And the nudges become full-blown wake-up calls.
So instead of adding another thing to your already overflowing to-do list, I want to offer you something different.
A pause.
A Gentle Check-In (No Judgment Allowed)
Take a moment and ask yourself:
• Am I running on adrenaline… or do I actually feel nourished?
• Am I giving everyone else my best energy—and leaving myself with what’s left?
• When was the last time I asked my body what it truly needs?
Even five intentional minutes of awareness can calm your nervous system and shift your entire day. You don’t need a full retreat or a perfect routine.
You just need presence.
Simple Holiday Wellness Resets That Actually Help
These aren’t dramatic changes. They’re small, realistic shifts that make a real difference—especially during hormonally sensitive seasons of life.
• Go to bed just 30 minutes earlier. That tiny adjustment can dramatically impact your mood, energy, and resilience.
• Hydrate like it’s skincare—because it is. For every festive drink, have a glass of water. Your skin, digestion, and brain will thank you.
• Create one daily non-negotiable moment just for you. A walk. Gentle stretching. Journaling. Quiet breathing. Something that tells your body, I’m listening.
Or download my free guided meditation to help you unwind, destress, and restore your peace of mind.
And because I believe caring for yourself includes feeling good in your skin…
A Holiday Beauty Shift (Easy, Elevated, and Kind to Your Face)
I used to think more makeup meant more glam. Especially during the holidays. Turns out, it often did the opposite.
What actually works?
• Eyes: Soft shimmer, subtle liner, and mascara—enough to sparkle without overpowering your features.
• Lips: Bright red or deep pink instantly lifts the face. Skip dark browns and burgundies—they’re surprisingly aging. Add a dab of gloss in the center for fullness.
• Skin: A glowy base paired with cream blush creates a fresh, lifted look without heaviness.
Less effort. More radiance.
Just like the way we’re meant to feel.
What I Know for Sure
When you take care of yourself—even in small, imperfect ways—everything begins to feel lighter.
Your body softens.
Your mind clears.
Your confidence comes back online.
Self-care isn’t indulgent.
Listening to yourself isn’t selfish.
And slowing down isn’t failure.
It’s wisdom.
So I’ll leave you with this question:
What’s one tiny way you can listen to yourself today?
Sometimes, that’s all it takes to begin coming back home to yourself—right in the middle of the chaos.
The post The Quiet Burnout Many Women Feel During the Holidays appeared first on ModernMom.