The holidays can be a magical time, but for many busy moms, they bring stress, overwhelm, and exhaustion. In Episode 211 of The Secrets of Supermom Show, Lori Oberbroeckling, mom of four, corporate leader, and author of Secrets of Supermom: How Extraordinary Moms Succeed at Work and Home—and How You Can Too, shares three simple steps to reduce holiday stress and bring back the joy.
Step 1: Identify Your Shoulds and Have-Tos
Step 2: Plan Your Priorities
Step 3: Protect Your Energy
By following these steps, you can transform the holidays into a season of joy, connection, and magic.
Ready to listen? Use the podcast player or listen anywhere you find your favorite podcasts. (Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!)
Rather read? Check out the show notes and episode content right here!
Hey, hey friend! Welcome to Episode #211 of The Secrets of Supermom Show!
🎙️ Do you feel like you’re juggling a thousand things and still not getting it all done? You listen to podcast after podcast trying to find the best way, but it feels like you must be doing something wrong. If you could just find the perfect schedule or the perfect planner, you could unlock the secret. What if I told you that you can do it all, without actually doing it all?
Inside The Supermom Society–our private community designed just for busy moms like you–we get it.
Every week, together, we help you create a plan that feels both productive and doable. Every month, we help you create a solid plan to boost your energy, sharpen your time management skills, and connect you with other moms who are ready to beat burnout for good.
Being a mom is tough, but you don’t have to do it alone. Today is your day to join us in The Supermom Society! Visit www.thesupermomsociety.com for all the details. I can’t wait to see you inside!” 🎙
Welcome to The Secrets of Supermom Show! I’m your host, Lori Oberbrockling: wife, mom of four, corporate executive, photographer, and author of Secrets of Supermom: How Extraordinary Moms Succeed at Work and Home—and How You Can Too. In this episode, we tackle a topic that’s on many busy moms’ minds as the year winds down: the holidays.
The holidays are meant to be magical, but for so many of us, they become a season of stress, overwhelm, and exhaustion. Let’s change that! Today, I’m sharing three simple steps to reduce holiday stress, set boundaries, and truly enjoy the magic of the season.
Step 1: Identify Your Shoulds and Have-Tos
If you’re already feeling overwhelmed by holiday planning, it’s time to pause and take a closer look at your to-do list. Ask yourself:
- Which items feel like obligations rather than joys?
- What activities tend to leave you feeling resentful or irritated?
- What traditions bring you energy and excitement?
Create two lists: a Holiday Yes List (things that bring joy and magic) and a Holiday No List (activities that drain you). For example:
- Yes List: Decorating the tree with your family, driving to see Christmas lights, baking cookies with friends.
- No List: Hosting a huge dinner that always feels stressful, committing to too many gift exchanges, or activities that never live up to expectations.
Step 2: Plan Your Holiday Yes and No Lists
Take your Holiday Yes List and put those activities on your calendar. Don’t leave it to chance! For example:
- Set a date to visit a light show.
- Block time for baking cookies or wrapping gifts.
- Schedule family movie nights or other cherished traditions.
For your Holiday No List, create a plan to avoid or delegate those tasks. For example:
- Outsource gift wrapping.
- Decline an annual event you don’t enjoy.
- Simplify your holiday meal planning.
The goal is to protect your time and energy for the activities that truly matter to you.
Step 3: Protect Your Energy
The holidays can be a whirlwind, so it’s critical to focus on energy-boosting activities. Here are some ideas:
- Prioritize sleep and rest.
- Continue to move your body, even if it’s just a quick walk.
- Schedule downtime to recharge.
- Spend time with people who uplift and energize you.
By eliminating energy-draining tasks and focusing on what fuels you, you’ll find it easier to stay calm, present, and joyful during the busy holiday season.
Final Thoughts
The holidays don’t have to be a season of stress. By setting clear boundaries, planning your favorite traditions, and protecting your energy, you can rediscover the joy and magic of this special time of year.
If you have additional tips or strategies, I’d love to hear from you! Send me a message on Instagram @SecretsofSupermom and let me know what works for you.
-
About the Host: Lori Oberbroeckling
Lori Whitney Oberbroeckling is a mom of four, corporate leader, podcaster, productivity expert, and author of the book Secrets of Supermom: How Extraordinary Moms Succeed at Work and Home & How You Can Too!
She is passionate about helping parents who want fulfilling careers–or side hustles or passion projects–while also wanting to feel present and connected to their families.
