Take Time to Rest in a Stressful Holiday Season
It’s the holiday season, and our stress is starting to build. You may say, “build? I am stressed all day, every day. What do you mean by build?”
The holiday season can also be a beautiful time of year—twinkling holiday lights (my favorite), gatherings with friends and family, cozy or ugly winter sweaters, and moments of gratitude are what we truly want.
I know from experience that being a veterinarian and a mom at this time of year is crazy stressful. The clinic gets busier, clients are more anxious about everything, meeting production goals becomes difficult, and personal obligations like parties, school concerts, and family demands seem to increase exponentially. Those of you who have young children must play “Elf on the Shelf” and Santa Claus! How much more can we put on ourselves without exploding?
But you can enjoy this season—and you deserve to. You can learn to change your expectations and create different intentions. With a bit of mindset work, you can make better decisions and create a calmer, more meaningful holiday experience, even in the middle of our veterinary life chaos. Here are a few ways to create more peace for yourself this year.
Start by creating your own holiday pace. Veterinarians are very skilled at rushing through life, but you don’t have to keep the workplace urgency going at home. Slow things down a little wherever you can. Say “no” to unnecessary things and stop your people-pleasing. You are not responsible for making things perfect; your goal is to make things joyful and fun for yourself and your family. Not performing, not perfecting, just simply creating more happiness.
Focus on staying present. Holiday stress often comes from trying to do everything “right”—the perfect gifts, perfect meals, perfect decorations, perfect schedule. Just yesterday I was wrapping gifts and beating myself up over my wrapping skills - ridiculous! Instead, try focusing on presence: being where you are, noticing what’s around you, and allowing yourself to experience moments without judging them. Perfection is exhausting; presence will restore you and bring more peace.
Give yourself the gift of boundaries. You spend all year caring for others—clients, pets, staff, friends, and family. It’s okay to care for yourself, too. Setting gentle boundaries this season can help you protect your time. Whether that’s limiting after-hours texts or calls, delegating holiday tasks, or carving out quiet time each day, boundaries create space for you to feel peace.
Build in tiny moments of calmness at work. Take three deep breaths between appointments. Enjoy your coffee or lunch without multitasking. Step outside for two minutes of cool air, grounding, and silence. Sit in your car after work for a brief moment of stillness and meditation before heading home. These tiny resets add up and keep your stress from compounding.
Choose some things that bring you joy. The holidays are meant to be enjoyable, but sometimes we get stuck doing things out of habit, tradition, or obligation. This year, ask yourself: What actually brings me joy? Maybe it’s baking, perhaps it’s skipping the baking. Maybe it’s hosting, or maybe it’s staying home in pajamas and watching cheesy holiday movies. Maybe buy yourself a small gift. Follow what energizes you—not what drains you.
Practice some compassion for yourself. Give yourself grace this season. You’re uniquely human. You get tired. You have emotions, and you may even have a couple meltdowns - I have. Make the best decisions you can in demanding situations. Self-compassion is not weakness—it’s a strength that keeps you grounded and creates resilience.
You deserve some rest. (Now I am talking to myself as well as you) Even in this busy veterinary life, you can find joy, comfort, and calm. This season, allow yourself to release unrealistic expectations, simplify where you can, and focus on what feels most meaningful to you. When you take care of your own emotional well-being, you will show up as your best self—for your patients, your loved ones, and most importantly, for yourself.
I am wishing you and your family (pets included) a peaceful, joyful, and relaxed holiday season. Please take care of you!
Dr. Julie Cappel
“Things to remember this holiday season: Breathe. Spend time with those you love. Rest when you can. Be kind to yourself and remember you don’t have to be a superhero.” – Anna Grace Taylor.