If you’ve been feeling more anxious in December, you’re not imagining it. In fact, this time of year is basically the Olympics for nervous systems everywhere — and most of us didn’t sign up, train, or even want a participation ribbon.
But before we go any further—for those of you who haven’t met her yet, meet Jane. Jane is our relatable-as-hell Brash course mascot — that inner voice we all have who’s trying her best while her brain throws confetti and absolute mayhem at the same time. She’s part snark, part sass, part “I swear I’m trying,” and full of good intentions.
She’s the part of you that means well but occasionally chooses chaos, the part that wants to be brave but also wants to hide under a blanket until further notice.
In other words, she’s human — just like the rest of us — showing up with honesty, imperfection, and a whole lotta sass.
She’s here today with her iced coffee, wide eyes, and a look that says, “Did we REALLY need all these emotions in one month?”
Same, Jane. Same.
Let’s break down what’s actually going on so you can stop assuming you’re falling apart and start understanding your body, your brain, and what you can do to ground yourself fast.
Reason #1: Your Nervous System Has Been in Hustle Mode Since October
You know that moment when you finally sit down and your body goes, “Cool, now let me fall apart”?
Yeah. That.
From Halloween to Thanksgiving to holiday parties to year-end deadlines to family dynamics to Target aisles that feel like war zones — your system hasn’t had a real pause in months. By the time December hits, your body is overstimulated, under-rested, and wondering why survival mode has become a personality trait.
Translation: Being anxious in December isn’t weakness. It’s physiology.
Reason #2: December Forces You Into Emotional Time Travel
Nothing catapults us into past memories (good or bad) faster than the holidays.
You’re suddenly:
– remembering family dynamics
– noticing empty chairs
– revisiting old wounds
– comparing present-day you to who you were “this time last year”
Jane calls this The Ghost of Stressmas Past.
And honestly? She’s not wrong.
When memories pile up, your nervous system interprets them as “emotional clutter,” making you more anxious in December even if life is objectively fine.
Reason #3: Expectations Are Loud. Your Capacity Is Quiet.
This month comes with a script:
Smile. Be merry. Host perfectly. Give generously. Show up. Don’t disappoint.
Meanwhile, your capacity is whispering:
“Babe… we’re tired.”
When expectations skyrocket but capacity shrinks, anxiety rushes in to bridge the gap — usually with a megaphone.
Reason #4: Your Nervous System Hates Uncertainty (And December Has Plenty)
December is full of unknowns:
– money stress
– weather changes
– travel plans
– unpredictable family behavior
– end-of-year decisions
– beginning-of-year pressure
Fear loves this.
It thrives here.
It runs laps around your brain like it’s training for the Anxiety Superbowl.
No wonder you’re more anxious in December.
Reason #5: You Haven’t Actually Had a Moment to Feel Your Feelings
Here’s a fun fact:
You can only outrun emotions for so long before they show up with luggage.
Most of us spend fall stuffing stress into mental junk drawers.
December is when the drawer won’t close anymore.
So yes — you might cry over wrapping paper.
You might panic in the Starbucks drive-thru.
You might feel “off” for no reason at all.
That’s not you falling apart.
That’s your system finally tapping you on the shoulder going:
“Hey… can we talk now?”
Okay, So What Do You Do When You’re More Anxious in December?
Time for grounded, doable steps — Brash style.
And yes, Jane is buckling her emotional seatbelt for this part.
1. Use a Regulation Tool You’ll Actually Remember
Try this quick grounding reset:
Cookie Breath:
– Inhale like you’re smelling warm cookies.
– Hold like you’re hiding from your kids while you eat the cookies.
– Exhale slowly like you’re cooling them down.
Repeat 3–4 times.
Silly?
Yes.
Effective?
Also yes.
2. Check Your Capacity Before Your Calendar
Ask yourself:
“What do I actually have the emotional bandwidth for?”
Not what you should do.
What you can do.
Then adjust accordingly.
Capacity comes first. Calendars come second.
3. Take One Expectation Off Your Plate
If it drains you, shrinks you, overwhelms you, or makes you resent the month, it has to go.
Yes — even if you’ve “always done it.”
4. Create a 10-Minute Pause Daily (Your Nervous System Will Cheer)
Choose one:
– warm shower
– music
– step outside
– stretch
– meditation
– sit in silence
– journal
– stare at the wall (this counts)
Consistency over perfection.
5. Remind Yourself: Anxiety Is a Messenger, Not a Failure
When you’re more anxious in December, your body isn’t betraying you — it’s communicating with you.
Jane would like to add:
“It’s loud, but it means well.”
💚 Final Thought: You’re Not Doing December Wrong
If you’ve been feeling more anxious in December, you’re not broken.
You’re human.
Your nervous system is tired.
And your emotions are full.
Not to mention, your expectations are heavy.
You’re allowed to pause. Breathe. And to take care of yourself without guilt.
This season isn’t about perfection — it’s about presence.
And you deserve peace, even in the most chaotic month of the year.
Until next time my beautifully human souls, keep it brash, keep it grounded, and keep it true to you!
