12/31/2025
The holiday season can bring joy, but also stress, pressure, and a long list of expectations. A new report found that 60% of Americans felt stressed heading into the holidays, while nearly 70% reported feeling pressure to appear happier than they truly are.
According to workplace culture expert Jennifer Moss, small “micro-actions” may help people navigate overwhelming moments with more steadiness. Here are a few of the expert-backed ideas highlighted in the piece:
▪️Label the feeling: Naming an emotion may help reduce stress.
▪️Appreciate a person, not just a thing. Gratitude aimed at someone can
strengthen a connection.
▪️Notice something neutral or positive to interrupt negativity bias.
▪️Replay one good thing before bed to shift attention.
▪️Take a break from comparison on social media.
▪️Tune into your senses during busy or loud environments.
▪️Offer silent gratitude during tense family moments.
▪️Do one tiny act of generosity, like thanking a retail worker.
▪️Let go of one expectation to reduce pressure.
▪️Move more slowly to steady your nervous system.
▪️Try a 30-second “awe scan” outdoors: Briefly focus on something striking in
nature to interrupt stress.
▪️Celebrate small wins to build momentum.
These gentle resets aren’t about forcing joy; they’re about finding moments of calm in a very full season.
Source:
Try "practicing these micro-actions — like tiny mood resets," says Jennifer Moss, former member of the Global Happiness Council and author of "Unlocking Happiness at Work."
