Cultivate more Cheer and Less Stress this Holiday Season

Tips from my book—adapted for the holidays—to help you find more peace and productivity this season

For many professionals, the end of the year feels like a perfect storm: Q4 deadlines, social commitments, travel, shopping, decorating, family expectations — all landing at once.

Every December, I hear the same thing from clients, colleagues, and students:
“I feel pulled in every direction, and I can’t get anything done.”

If that’s you, take a deep breath. Productivity during the holidays isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing what matters, more intentionally.

Here are five effectiveness strategies from my book, Get the Degree Without Losing Your Mind, adapted specifically for this busy, joyful, and often chaotic time of year.

These small shifts can help you stay grounded, present, and productive — without burning out before New Year’s Eve.

1. Start Your Week with a Holiday “Roundup”

One of the most effective ways to prevent overwhelm is to create a simple weekly planning ritual.
The holidays add extra moving parts, so this ritual becomes even more important.

Take ten minutes at the start of the week to ask:

• What are my top three priorities?

• What obligations are already on the calendar?

• What can realistically wait until January?

• When do I need to rest or reset?

When everything feels urgent, clarity becomes your competitive advantage.

2. Use the “Next Step Method” to Break Through Holiday Overwhelm

When your to-do list feels impossible, do one thing I teach all ambitious adult learners:

Take one step — just one — that moves you closer to your goal.

Not everything.
Not the perfect thing.
Just the next thing.

This method is powerful because most “next steps” take less than five minutes—but the momentum they create over time is unmatched.

3. Batch Your Holiday Tasks to Reduce Stress

Switching from one type of task to another drains more time and energy than we realize. During the busiest season of the year, batching becomes a secret weapon.

Group tasks such as:

• Gift shopping

• Cooking and food prep

• Travel logistics

• Holiday cards

• Decorating

Scheduling these in dedicated blocks keeps you efficient and reduces the mental and physical load of constantly switching tasks.

If You Want a Peaceful AND Productive Holiday Season…

I created the “Calm & Bright Holiday Survival Guide” to help busy professionals stay grounded and effective during December—without sacrificing rest, joy, or meaningful moments.

It includes 8 practical strategies, adapted directly from my book, that you can implement immediately.

🎁 You can purchase it here on my website OR get it for free if you subscribe to my newsletter using this link.

Think of it as a simple toolkit to help you navigate the holidays with less stress… and more joy!