What if self-care this season wasn’t about doing more… but choosing what actually restores you?

In this episode of Chasing Brighter, Jessica and Kelly dive into one of the most important (and misunderstood) topics of the season: holiday self-care that truly nourishes your mind, body, and spirit — not the kind that leaves you feeling overstimulated and depleted.

The holidays pull on every part of us: schedules, emotions, finances, expectations, and family dynamics. With all the lights, noise, crowds, and invisible emotional labor, it’s easy to slip into numbing coping strategies instead of nurturing ones. In this conversation, Jessica and Kelly help you understand the difference — without shame — so you can listen to what your body actually needs.

You’ll explore how over-stimulation impacts your nervous system, why even joyful moments can feel draining when they pile up, and how to gently shift toward self-care practices that leave you calmer, steadier, and more grounded.

Inside This Conversation:

• The difference between nourishing self-care vs. numbing coping
• Why holiday over-stimulation impacts your nervous system
• Common numbing habits (and why they’re human, not failures)
• Examples of nourishing rituals that restore your energy
• Why heat therapy (baths, foot soaks, warm showers) can be especially soothing
• Signs you may be numbing instead of nurturing
• The “Nourish Me Check-In”: a simple 3-part self-care reset
• Boundary scripts that protect your peace during the holidays
• A gentle weekly challenge to support your wellbeing

Chapters

00:00 Embracing Holiday Self-Care

01:17 NEWCHAPTER

03:31 Nourishing vs. Numbing Strategies

06:30 Recognizing Signs of Numbing

09:22 Implementing Self-Care Practices

Connect With Us:

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holiday self-care, nourishing self-care, numbing coping, emotional well-being, boundaries, mindfulness, stress management, holiday season, mental health, self-care strategies

What if the holiday season feels more like “back-to-school” chaos than winter magic—and how do we change that?

The holiday season comes with excitement… and a whole lot of pressure. Jessica and Kelly dive into the emotional load of December, comparing it to the hectic back-to-school season and exploring why so many of us feel stretched thin. Together, they talk about opting out of unnecessary obligations, finding joy in smaller moments, and giving yourself permission to slow down.

Inside This Conversation:

• December feels like back to school with its busy routines.
• Opting out of obligations can be a form of self-care.
• Gift-giving can be simplified by involving children in the process.
• Community initiatives like Winter Wonderland can ease holiday stress.
• It's okay to say no to events and activities that don't bring joy.
• Prioritizing joy over obligation is essential during the holidays.
• Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their holiday priorities.
• The importance of a smaller gift list to reduce stress.
• Finding joy in the holiday season is possible with intention.
• Self-care should be a priority during busy times.

Chapters

00:00 The Holiday Back to School Feeling

03:28 Opting Out of Holiday Obligations

06:36 Finding Joy and Setting Boundaries

Connect With Us:

• 🌐 Dive deeper on our blog post ChasingBrighter.com
• 📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for giveaways, insights, and behind-the-scenes fun.
• Get our Newsletter!! Newsletter - Chasing Brighter

back to school, December, obligations, self-care, joy hierarchy, holiday stress, parenting, gift giving, family traditions, holiday parties

How would your relationships shift if you protected your peace as much as your plans?

The holidays can bring out the best—and the most complicated—in our relationships. In this episode of Chasing Brighter, Jessica and Kelly unpack the emotional landscape of the season: the overstimulation, the resurfacing of old roles, the quiet aches of loneliness or grief, and the pressure to “show up” perfectly. Instead, they offer a grounded, compassionate approach to connection.

Together, they explore how small, intentional moments can nurture deeper relationships, why boundaries are essential for emotional well-being, and how authenticity can transform how we engage with the people we love. This conversation is an invitation to slow down, protect your peace, and reconnect in simple, meaningful ways.

Inside This Conversation:

• December can highlight loneliness, grief, or unresolved tension.
• Our nervous system is overstimulated during the holidays.
• Old family roles can resurface, impacting emotional dynamics.
• Choosing small, meaningful interactions fosters connection.
• Boundaries protect connection and emotional well-being.
• Resentment builds when we overcommit ourselves.
• Five minutes of focused attention can create real connection.
• Connection doesn't have to be big to be meaningful.
• Show up authentically in your relationships.
• Simple practices can support your nervous system during busy times.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Connection During the Holidays

02:27 Understanding Emotional Roles and Family Dynamics

04:57 Building Meaningful Connections

08:01 Establishing Healthy Boundaries

10:49 The Power of Presence and Small Acts

11:43 Conclusion and Next Steps

Connect With Us:

• 🌐 Dive deeper on our blog post ChasingBrighter.com
• 📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for giveaways, insights, and behind-the-scenes fun.
• Get our Newsletter!! Newsletter - Chasing Brighter

connection, holidays, emotional dynamics, boundaries, presence, self-care, relationships, meaningful interactions, mental health, family dynamics