December Newsletter: Decompressing December — A Softer Way to End the Year
December can be a beautiful month — a time of light, presence, cosiness, celebration, joy, and even a little magic.
Equally, it can also be an overwhelming month, there can be pressure to
set goals…
to squeeze in last-minute achievements…
to work hard before the holidays…
to enjoy the holidays…
to tolerate people you don’t feel safe around…
to feel happy and fulfilled…
that is a lot for any human being.
This year I invite you to reframe the end of the year, instead of feeling like you have to finish strong or finish successful,
what if you finished emotionally regulated?
What if success this month wasn’t measured by productivity or performance, but by how supported and soothed our nervous system feels?
🌿 A Light Routine for Tender Seasons
Adding a soft structure throughout your days can offer routine, familarity and support
Here are a few grounding pillars that might feel supportive:
Pockets of peace; a slow morning or a calming evening (either counts)
movement that matches your energy instead of forcing intensity
one grounding activity a day ; breathwork, journaling, stretching, tea, a slow moment of presence
one connection that feels safe; a friend, a pet, a memory, prayer, God/Source
one boundary that honours your capacity that day
This isn’t about improvement, it’s about self care.
✨ Reframes to Hold Close
✨ It’s okay if your month looks different to everyone else’s.
✨ It’s okay if you’re having a slower month because you’re grieving — grief often gets louder in December.
✨ You are allowed to sit out of things that don’t feel right for you.
✨ You don’t have to earn rest.
✨ Growth doesn’t disappear just because it isn’t loud.
🌸 A Gentle Resource
Here’s something you can screenshot or print. A small guide you can return to when December feels heavy.
10 Gentle Things That Count as Self-Care This Month
Soft lighting; candles, a warm lamp, incense, or fairy lights
Listening to sound healing music or gentle instrumentals
Putting a hand over your heart or belly and breathing deeply
Stepping outside for a couple of minutes of fresh air
Drinking something warm slowly
Wearing clothes that feel comforting, not performative
Turning your phone on silent for a while
Crying if you need to (it’s just the body releasing)
Resting without guilt
Ending the day with gratitude for one tiny moment, even if it’s simply “I made it through today”
💬 A Soft Question for You
What is one grounding pillar you want to hold onto this December?
Wishing you a month that protects your peace, honours your capacity, and lets you move at the pace that feels true for you.
With Care
Preeti
The Healing Practice
