By the third week of December, most people aren’t just tired.
They’re overstimulated.
Emotionally stretched.
Mentally foggy.
Physically present but internally buzzing.
And yet, many people don’t realize what’s actually happening.
This isn’t a lack of discipline.
It’s not weakness.
It’s not that you’re “bad at resting.”
It’s nervous system overload.
The holidays quietly push the body into a prolonged state of sympathetic activation—the “go, do, manage, respond, perform” mode—without giving it enough opportunities to return to safety and repair. Even joyful moments require energy. Even celebrations require regulation.
If your body never gets the signal that it’s safe to power down, it can’t truly rest.
Why the Holidays Dysregulate the Nervous System
Your nervous system exists to keep you alive. It scans constantly for cues of safety or threat, and it adjusts your physiology accordingly. During December, those cues are often mixed.
Bright lights, noise, social gatherings, emotional memories, altered sleep schedules, travel, financial pressure, and disrupted routines all tell the body to stay alert. Even positive anticipation can activate the same stress pathways as fear.
Cortisol and adrenaline rise. Digestion slows. Blood sugar becomes less stable. Sleep becomes lighter. Immune signaling weakens. Emotional regulation becomes harder.
What makes December particularly challenging is that these stressors are chronic and cumulative, not acute. The body isn’t responding to one event—it’s responding to weeks of sustained stimulation.
Why “Trying to Relax” Doesn’t Work
Many people attempt to rest in ways that don’t actually calm the nervous system.
Scrolling on a phone.
Watching intense shows late at night.
Staying up late because it’s the only quiet time.
Overeating for comfort.
Using alcohol to “take the edge off.”
These may feel like relief in the moment, but they often keep the nervous system activated underneath. True rest doesn’t come from distraction—it comes from downshifting.
Rest happens when the body receives repeated signals of safety, rhythm, and predictability.
The Difference Between Rest and Collapse
There’s an important distinction between rest and collapse.
Collapse is what happens when the body runs out of resources. It looks like exhaustion, brain fog, irritability, sugar cravings, poor sleep, and emotional overwhelm.
Rest is restorative. It replenishes. It repairs.
If you only rest once you’re completely depleted, it takes much longer for the nervous system to recover. The goal during the holidays isn’t to avoid stress entirely—it’s to interrupt it regularly.
How the Nervous System Actually Resets
The nervous system doesn’t reset through one big action. It resets through small, repeated cues.
Consistent mealtimes help stabilize blood sugar and reduce stress hormones. Gentle movement helps discharge excess adrenaline. Warmth signals safety. Quiet rhythms in the evening support parasympathetic activation.
Even five minutes of intentional downshifting, repeated daily, can significantly change how the body responds to stress.
Food as a Nervous System Tool (Not a Fix)
Food doesn’t calm the nervous system by itself—but it can either support or sabotage regulation.
Cold foods, skipped meals, excessive sugar, and erratic eating patterns increase stress signals. Warm, nourishing meals eaten at regular times support steadiness.
This doesn’t mean perfect eating. It means predictable nourishment.
Warm soups, slow-cooked meals, and savory dishes help the body feel grounded. Protein supports neurotransmitter production. Healthy fats slow digestion and prevent blood sugar spikes that can trigger anxiety.
Gentle Movement Instead of Pushing Harder
During high-stress seasons, intense exercise can become another stressor. The nervous system often responds better to movement that feels supportive rather than demanding.
Walking, stretching, mobility work, light strength training, or gentle yoga help circulate lymph and reduce tension without activating more stress hormones.
Movement should leave you feeling calmer afterward—not wired.
Emotional Boundaries as Physiological Support
Emotional stress is not separate from physical stress. Your nervous system does not distinguish between emotional overload and physical threat.
Saying no.
Leaving earlier than planned.
Skipping events that feel draining.
Protecting quiet time.
These are not indulgences. They are nervous system medicine.
When you honor your limits, your body registers safety immediately.
A Simple Evening Reset Practice
One of the most effective ways to support nervous system regulation during the holidays is to create a consistent evening downshift.
Lower lights after dinner.
Turn off screens earlier when possible.
Sit or lie down without stimulation.
Drink something warm.
Slow your breathing.
These signals tell the body that vigilance is no longer required.
A Supportive Evening Tea
This tea is designed specifically for nervous system support, not immunity or stimulation, and does not overlap with any other December blends.
Evening Nervous System Tea (1 cup)
Ingredients (per 1 cup water):
- Lemon balm – 1 teaspoon
- Oat straw – 1 teaspoon
- Lavender – ½ teaspoon
- Fennel seed – ½ teaspoon
Directions:
Pour 1 cup hot water over herbs.
Cover and steep 10–15 minutes.
Strain and drink warm in the evening.
This blend supports relaxation, gentle digestion, and emotional regulation without sedation.
If you prefer not to blend your own teas, I do prepare small-batch herbal blends crafted with care and intention. You’re welcome to reach out if that support would be helpful.
Rest Is a Skill—Not a Personality Trait
Some people believe they’re “bad at resting.” In reality, their nervous system has learned to stay alert for too long.
Rest can be relearned.
Small cues, practiced consistently, teach the body that it is safe to slow down. When the nervous system resets, everything downstream—sleep, digestion, mood, immunity—begins to stabilize.
The goal of this season isn’t to power through. It’s to preserve your capacity.
Herbally and Holistically yours,
Charlotte Lange, CNC
CPL Botanicals & CPL Holistics
WORK WITH CHARLOTTE
I offer 1:1 naturopathic and herbal coaching for those who want to understand what their body is truly asking for. My approach is holistic and integrative, exploring dietary, physical, emotional, and lifestyle patterns as interconnected systems rather than isolated symptoms.
When appropriate, I create custom herbal formulations tailored specifically to the individual—crafted intentionally to support nervous system regulation, digestion, and long-term resilience.
Sessions are currently coordinated directly while my online booking system is finalized. If you’re interested in working together, you’re welcome to reach out.
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- Porges SW. The polyvagal theory: neurophysiological foundations of emotions, attachment, communication, and self-regulation. Frontiers in Psychology. 2011.
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- Cryan JF, Dinan TG. Mind-altering microorganisms: the impact of the gut microbiota on brain and behaviour. Nature Reviews Neuroscience. 2012.
- Maggini S, et al. The role of micronutrients in supporting immune function. Nutrients. 2018.
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- Mills S, Bone K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Churchill Livingstone.
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- Tilg H, Moschen AR. Stress and the gut–brain axis. Gut. 2014.
META DESCRIPTION: A practical guide to resetting the nervous system during the holidays. Learn how stress, food, boundaries, movement, and gentle rituals help the body truly rest and recover in December.
SEO TAGS: nervous system reset, holiday stress relief, parasympathetic support, winter nervous system care, holistic stress management, calming herbal tea, December wellness, CPL Botanicals
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