Stressed at the Holidays? Business Owners – Try the 3‑Minute Stress Reset

Stressed at the Holidays? Business Owners – Try the 3-Minute Stress Reset

Thanksgiving week rolls in and everyone’s asking about your plans. You talk about turkey, time with family, maybe a quiet Thursday.

But inside your head? You’re running through:

• The client situation that needs handling.
• The employee question waiting for your answer.
• Whether you’ll make payroll in two weeks.
   

Even as you sit physically at the table, part of you is still at work.

After nearly two decades coaching business owners, here’s what I’ve learned: your body tells the truth about your stress long before your calendar does.

Why Your Body Speaks First

We tend to ignore signals that something’s off.

• Your neck tightens when a conversation hits a sensitive spot.
• Your chest grows heavy before a big decision.
• Your stomach knots before you open that email you’ve been delaying.
   

Many business owners push through anyway. Coffee. One more to-do list. And the body just… turns the volume up.

A Reality Check Before Holiday Week

Before the holiday week begins in full swing, take a moment. Don’t wait until you’re at the table and half-present.

Here’s a simple practice I call: The 3-Minute Stress Reset.

The 3-Minute Stress Reset

1. Pick one thing that’s been weighing on you.
2. Ask yourself: Where do I feel this right now? Neck? Chest? Stomach?
3. Close your eyes. Acknowledge the sensation. Don’t fight it.
4. Breathe slowly – 5-6 seconds inhale, 5-6 seconds exhale.
5. Say to yourself: “You’re allowed to be here.” Send it kindness.
6. For two minutes, let the feeling be. Imagine warmth and light flowing to that point. Let thoughts float by. Stay with the sensation.
    

What usually happens: the feeling moves, softens, maybe dissolves. And your mind-and-emotions become clearer without forcing anything.

Why It Matters for Growth

I use this in my coaching with clients who are:

• Doubling revenue while cutting hours in half.
• Navigating major transitions while scaling business or career.
• Dealing with relationship struggles alongside business shifts.
   

Because here’s the truth: your next level isn’t blocked by strategy.
It’s blocked by how much emotional weight you’re carrying in your body.

Let go of some of that weight and suddenly:

• Your best decisions become obvious.
• Boundaries feel easier to set and hold.
• Thursday feels like a break — not another performance.

Your 2026 Starts Now

The 2026 version of you, the one you’re heading toward, starts with how you handle this week.

So ask yourself: What’s one thing you’re carrying into the holiday that you could release right now?

It might feel small. But remember: small release + body alignment = big leap.

Enjoy the turkey. Feel the laughter. Let the connections land.
And know: you’re not taking Thursday off if your mind, body, and soul never truly leave the office.

Give yourself the permission — and the practice — to arrive fully.

Ready to reset more than just your holiday mindset?

Let’s work together to lighten the weight you’re carrying into 2026 and turn your next year into your best year. Book a free strategy session now.