5 Steps to Beat Festive Overwhelm and Stay Calm as a Leader

The run-up to Christmas can be one of the busiest times of the year. Between end-of-year deadlines, team commitments, and personal responsibilities, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Here’s a simple, 5-step approach to help you stay calm, focused, and in control during the festive season.

1. Prioritise with Purpose

When everything feels like a priority, it’s hard to know where to start. Here’s how to simplify:

• Write down everything you feel needs to be done.
• Use the 3D method:
  • Decide what you’ll handle yourself.
  • Delegate tasks that others can take on.
  • Delete anything that’s not essential.
• Highlight the top 3 tasks that are most urgent or impactful, and focus on these first.

2. Use Tools to Stay on Top

Keeping track of tasks doesn’t have to live in your head. Digital tools like Asana, Trello, or Notion can help:

• Capture everything in one place to avoid losing track of important details.
• Organise visually by moving tasks around to rank them by priority.
• Set alerts and deadlines to stay focused without the need for constant reminders.

3. Set Clear Boundaries

It’s easy to say “yes” to everything during the holidays, but overcommitting can leave you drained.

• Block time for non-negotiables like family, self-care, and focused work.
• Say “no” to requests that don’t align with your priorities, even if it feels uncomfortable.

4. Create a Mini Calm Ritual

Taking even 5 minutes a day for yourself can make a huge difference.

• Deep breathing, a short walk, or a quick journal entry can all help reset your focus.
• Use this prompt: “What’s one thing I can let go of today?”

5. Acknowledge Wins—Big and Small

At the end of each day, reflect on what went well, no matter how small it seems.

• Did you complete one important task? Celebrate it.
• Did you delegate or say “no” to something? Acknowledge that progress.

Take Action Today

Feeling ready to tackle overwhelm? Download the full guide, complete with a bonus planning sheet to help you organise tasks, set priorities, and stay calm during the busy season.

👉 Download Your Prioritisation Worksheet Here

By focusing on what matters most and creating space for calm, you can enjoy the holiday season and lead with confidence.