Easing End-of-Year Overwhelm: Gentle Practices for Space and Joy

As the year rushes to a close, the season of overwhelm seems to take on a life of its own. I call it “wrapping overwhelm”: the wrapping up of work projects, the wrapping up of family and travel plans, and the ever-looming task of wrapping actual Christmas presents—often without even a moment to catch your breath.

And all of this during the darkest and often coldest time of year. It can feel like the world is asking for boundless energy when all your body wants is to slow down, to hibernate, to rest.

If you’re feeling the pressure of this season, let me offer you a moment to pause.

Take a deep breath and ask yourself:

• What would it feel like to end 2024 with more ease and alignment?
• How could you find just one small moment of space today?

This isn’t about trying to fix or force things—it’s about noticing where you are, gently rebelling against the pressure to push through, and creating just a little more room for yourself amid the busyness.

Why This Time of Year Can Feel So Intense
For many of us, the end of the year carries more weight than just the holiday hustle. It’s a season of reflection, whether intentional or not—a time when we look back on what went well and what didn’t, often with a mix of gratitude and regret.

Add to that the societal pressure to start January with resolutions, big goals, and a “new you,” and it’s no wonder so many of us feel like we’re running on empty by the time the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve.

What If You Did Things Differently?
Here’s the rebellious thought: What if you chose to finish this year differently?
What if, instead of cramming more in, you paused to connect with what truly matters to you?

This week, I’m sharing three simple, gently rebellious practices to help ease the end-of-year chaos. These are not about doing more—they’re about finding small ways to create space, joy, and calm in the middle of it all.

• The Morning Promise: Start your day with a quiet moment of commitment to yourself. Simply say, “I commit to myself first, to living my life my way.” Feel the power of those words.
• Neutral Noticing: Pause for just one minute to notice how you feel—without judgment. This simple act can help you reconnect with yourself and ease the tension that builds throughout the day.
• Gently Rebellious Gratitude: Instead of pressuring yourself to be grateful for things you “should” appreciate, focus on what genuinely lights you up. What brings you joy? What small, silly things make you smile?

If these ideas resonate, you can explore them further in my latest podcast episode and video:

• Easing End-of-Year Overwhelm: Gentle Practices to Create Space and Joy
• End-of-Year Chaos? Find Space and Joy with the Gentle Rebellion

Both are designed to help you finish the year feeling lighter and more aligned, without adding to your to-do list.

The Gentle Rebellion Starts Here
This season is an invitation to rebel against the overwhelm, to make space for joy and alignment, and to reconnect with the calm within yourself. You don’t have to do it perfectly. You don’t have to do it all at once. Just one small, gentle step at a time.

I’d love to hear how these practices land for you. What’s one small way you’re choosing to rebel against the chaos this week? 

With love and rebellious calm

Heidi

P.S. If you’re longing for a simple way to start, my free audio, The One Minute Marke, offers a fast grounding practice to ease your mind and reconnect with your body.