An Invitation to Slow Down: A Holiday Season Reminder

As we enter the holiday season, it's easy to feel like life is speeding up. For many, this is a short week and can bring a rush to finish work before traveling. Meal prepping and cooking can be a juggling act with multiple pots boiling simultaneously. Maybe you are trying to see as many friends and family as possible over the holidays or feeling pressured to tie up loose ends before the year ends. This mad dash can leave us feeling overwhelmed, drained, and even resentful of the very season meant to bring joy.

But here’s the thing: This time of year isn’t just about hustle and productivity.?

Nature reminds us to slow down. The trees shed their leaves, the days grow shorter, and the nights stretch longer. Everything around us whispers, “Pause, reflect, rest.” Yet, we often do the opposite.

When we operate at such a frantic pace, our nervous systems become overwhelmed, our immune systems take a hit, and we’re more likely to lose our patience. Stressors that might otherwise roll off our shoulders start to weigh us down. And the joy and connection we crave from the holidays often feel out of reach.

This is why I want to invite you to embrace slowness and stillness—not just this week, but throughout the holiday season and as we approach the end of the year.

A Counterintuitive Truth

I know what you might be thinking: “But Allison, I have so much to do. I can’t afford to slow down!”

Trust me, I get it. I’ve been there. Just recently, I felt the need to push myself to finish 2 coaching certifications, launch a new coaching project, and tie up all the loose ends before the clock strikes midnight on December 31. But then I remembered the lessons I learned on my recent trip to Amsterdam—a trip that was transformative precisely because I chose to slow down.

I spent two weeks in Amsterdam, which is a small city, but rather than cramming in visits to other cities or countries. Each day, I chose one thing to do. I wandered leisurely and explored hidden corners, nooks, and crannies.? But most importantly, I gave myself permission to be present.?

Some people were surprised by my choice to stay in one place for so long. “Why didn’t you visit other cities?” they asked. But others responded with a smile and said, “Good for you. I’m glad you immersed yourself.”

The result? I came home feeling rested, rejuvenated, and fulfilled. I didn’t overdo it, and I didn’t feel like I missed out. And now, as I reflect on that experience, I can see how it applies to the holiday season and the end-of-year hustle.

The Gift of Slowness

When we choose slowness, we choose presence. We create space to savor the little moments that bring joy. We allow our minds and bodies to rest, and in doing so, we actually accomplish more because we’re not running on empty.

So, how can you practice slowness in the coming weeks??

Here are five simple, intentional ways to bring stillness into your life:

1. Set One Daily Intention: Instead of cramming your day with endless tasks, choose one priority. Focus on completing it mindfully, and let the rest of the day flow naturally.? think single-tasking versus multi-tasking.
2. Simplify Holiday Traditions: If preparing elaborate meals or hosting large gatherings feels overwhelming, scale back. Opt for simpler recipes or ask loved ones to bring a dish to share. Don’t be afraid to buy pre-made or frozen items that can easily be heated in the oven for a homemade “feel”.?
3. Practice Mindful Breathing: Take three deep breaths in the moments you feel rushed or anxious. This small act can help reset your nervous system and bring you back to the present. Click here for a video on how to properly breathe using the "Four Way Breathing Technique".?
4. Embrace "Good Enough": Let go of the need for perfection. Whether it’s a holiday card, a gift, or a work project, remind yourself that done is better than perfect.
5. Schedule Rest: Block time in your calendar for rest, just as you would for a meeting or appointment. Use this time to read, take a walk, or simply sit in silence.

An Invitation to Pause

This holiday season, give yourself permission to go against the grain. Slow down when the world tells you to speed up. Choose stillness over stress, presence over productivity.

Let this be the season you savor instead of sprinting through.

What is one way you can bring more slowness into your life this week? I’d love to hear about it.

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About Allison Tibbs

Allison Tibbs is the CEO of Nourished Life Coaching & Consulting and a highly sought-after speaker and workshop facilitator known for her transformative approach to self-care, wellness, stress management, and personal growth. She coaches women leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs across the globe to reclaim their time, energy, and well-being with simple, sustainable strategies that fit their busy lives. Drawing from her own journey of overcoming depression, burnout, and limiting beliefs, Allison empowers her clients to untangle unhealthy patterns and build fulfilling, balanced lives.

Through her workshops, Allison combines her expertise in health and wellness with a deep understanding of neuroscience and behavior change to inspire and equip diverse audiences. She has delivered impactful keynotes and workshops for global organizations such as Cisco, Genentech, Cartier, and Waymo, earning her a reputation as a trusted resource for high-performing teams and individuals.

Allison’s work has been featured in Women’s Health, PopSugar, Shape Magazine, and more. She has also been seen on fitness platforms Tonal and BODi as an on-camera fitness coach. Based in the Bay Area, California, she coaches her clients and travels the world offering dynamic keynotes, and workshops while growing her online community and coaching platform, the Nourished Life Society. For more information, visit www.AllisonTibbs.com.