The holidays can be a magical time, but let’s be real—they can also feel like a bit much. Between family expectations, endless to-do lists, and the pressure of all the “shoulds” we place on ourselves, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. If you’re managing OCD and anxiety, that weight can feel even heavier.

So today, we’re diving into how to find peace amidst the holiday chaos. Whether you’re navigating challenging family dynamics or battling those intrusive “what-ifs,” this is your guide to creating space for calm during this busy season. So, grab your coffee, tea, or hot cocoa, and let’s settle in for an honest chat about what it takes to truly manage your mental health during the holidays.

What we are going to dive into today:

• Good enough thinking
• Setting tiny boundaries
• Dealing with intrusive thoughts
• Managing OCD and anxiety and New Years resolutions

Real Talk: Managing OCD and Anxiety During The Holidays

Let’s get real—the holidays come with a lot of hidden rules and expectations. It can feel like everything needs to be picture-perfect, and we’re supposed to be in a constant state of cheer. Add in FOMO and the pressure to do it all, and if you’re navigating anxiety or intrusive thoughts, those expectations can feel insurmountable.

Perfectionism is a big one during the holidays. Maybe you’re stressing over decorations being just right, finding the perfect gifts, or making sure your recipe is flawless. It can feel like if one thing isn’t perfect, you’ve ruined Christmas for everyone. Sound familiar?

Or maybe it’s the endless gatherings and physical closeness—hugs, kisses, shared meals. For those with contamination fears or boundaries around germs, it can feel overwhelming, like you’re on high alert all the time.

Then there’s the lack of structure. The holidays bring downtime, but that extra free time can make your mind louder. You might find yourself stuck in endless “what ifs,” unable to pull yourself out, even when you’re surrounded by family.

If any of this resonates, know you’re not alone. These struggles are common and don’t make you bad or less-than. But there are ways to stay grounded and find calm amidst the chaos. Let’s dive into some simple, practical tips—little mental gifts you can unwrap whenever things start to feel like too much.

Good Enough Thinking

First, the holidays are not a Pinterest contest. With social media showing only highlight reels, it’s easy to feel like everything needs to look perfect. But perfectionism keeps you stressed and disconnected from what truly matters. Instead of aiming for flawless, aim for “good enough.” Store-bought cookies are fine, and skipping a few events won’t ruin anyone’s Christmas. Lightening your mental load allows you to stay more present.

Second, set small boundaries for big events. When family gatherings feel overwhelming, take short breaks. Step outside for fresh air or find a quiet room to breathe. These small moments aren’t avoidance—they’re resets. A few deep breaths can help you feel grounded and ready to rejoin the activity.

Third, keep your response to intrusive thoughts open. Instead of analyzing or fighting them, which only makes them stick, try a simple “maybe not” and move on. It’s like giving your brain a gentle shrug and choosing not to engage. It might feel hard at first, but building this habit will make a big difference over time.

Finally, ease up on New Year’s resolutions. You don’t need to overhaul your life on January 1st. Instead of chasing perfection or making unrealistic goals, focus on one or two small, sustainable actions. Baby steps, done consistently, create meaningful change and long-term impact—far more than big, unsustainable efforts.

Join My 7 Day Breakthrough Challenge

Kick off 2025 with momentum and clarity—no overwhelming resolutions, just real, sustainable growth! Signups are open now for my Seven-Day Breakthrough Challenge.

Join by December 30th to hop on a live Q&A kickoff call with me, where I’ll answer your questions, set expectations, and help you feel ready to start strong. On January 1st, you’ll get your first of seven daily video challenges (around 7–20 minutes each), paired with detailed emails, journal prompts, worksheets, and practical steps to handle OCD and anxiety in real-time.

We’ll wrap up with a final live Q&A on January 8th to celebrate wins, answer lingering questions, and set you up for next steps. This journey is all about building confidence, momentum, and actionable progress—one manageable step at a time.

Sign up for just $17 today! Don’t miss your chance to join the live Q&A and start the new year feeling empowered. Sign up now!

Managing OCD and Anxiety During The Holidays

The holidays don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. By embracing “good enough,” setting small boundaries, staying open to intrusive thoughts, and easing the pressure of New Year’s resolutions, you can create more space for calm and connection during this busy season. Remember, it’s not about avoiding stress entirely but finding ways to stay grounded and present amidst it all.

If you’re ready to take actionable steps toward managing OCD and anxiety, remember to join my Seven-Day Breakthrough Challenge. It’s a powerful way to kick off 2025 with clarity, confidence, and a sustainable plan for growth. Here’s to a holiday season and new year filled with progress, balance, and peace!

Keep doing all the hard things. Bye for now.

💥 Ready to break free from anxiety and intrusive thoughts? Join my Seven-Day Breakthrough Challenge!: https://jennaoverbaughlpc.com/breakthrough

💪 Ready to conquer OCD/anxiety? Explore The OCD and Anxiety Recovery Blueprint – with or without a therapist: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jennaoverbaughlpc.com/blueprint⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

👏 Unlock your free 40-minute video on “5 Must-Know Strategies for Handling Anxiety and Intrusive Thoughts”: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jennaoverbaughlpc.com/strategies⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🧠 Start your transformation today with the Mental Compulsion Mini Course referenced in this episode: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jennaoverbaughlpc.com/mental-compulsions⁠

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