Going with the flow
The holidays have a way of turning even the calmest routines upside down. Schedules change, expectations creep in, and suddenly we’re trying to hold everything together instead of enjoying what’s actually happening.
This season, I want to offer a different approach: going with the flow.
Going with the flow doesn’t mean giving up or lowering your standards. It means meeting yourself where you are, listening to your body, and choosing ease when you can. One of the simplest ways to do that is through breath.
How Breath Work Can Ease Stress
When we feel stressed, rushed, or overwhelmed, our breathing often becomes shallow without us realizing it. Short breaths signal the body that something is wrong, keeping us in a low-level state of tension.
Slowing the breath sends a different message.
A few deep, intentional breaths can help calm the nervous system, lower stress hormones, and bring you back into the present moment. You don’t need a long meditation session or special equipment. Just a pause.
Try this anytime you feel overwhelmed:
Inhale slowly through your nose for a count of four
Exhale gently through your mouth for a count of six
Repeat for one to two minutes
That extra-long exhale is key. It tells your body it’s safe to relax.
Reducing Expectations During the Holidays
The holidays often come with a long list of “shoulds.” How things should look, how we should feel, how much energy we should have. Those expectations can create pressure that pulls us out of the moment.
This year, consider loosening the grip a little.
It’s okay if your routine isn’t perfect. It’s okay if workouts look different. It’s okay if some days you simply rest and breathe. Progress doesn’t disappear just because life gets busy.
Instead of aiming for perfection, aim for presence. Ask yourself what would feel supportive today rather than what you think you’re supposed to do.
Embracing Positivity Without Forcing It
Positivity doesn’t mean pretending everything is easy or joyful all the time. Real positivity comes from kindness toward yourself, especially on days when things feel messy or tiring.
Sometimes positivity looks like:
Taking a walk instead of a full workout
Stretching for five minutes instead of skipping movement entirely
Pausing to breathe before reacting
Letting go of one expectation that no longer serves you
Going with the flow is about trusting that small, steady choices add up. Your body is always working for you, and when you give it space to breathe, rest, and move gently, it responds.
As we move through the holidays, remember that ease is not something you earn. It’s something you allow.
Take a breath. Lower the bar where you need to. And give yourself permission to move through this season with a little more flow and a lot more compassion.