🌸 Overstimulated, Anxious, and Trying to Breathe: Calming Techniques for the Holiday Weekend 🌸

I wasn’t planning on writing today.

But anxiety had other ideas.

Today’s been one of those days—tight chest, shaky hands, spiraling thoughts, and a body that just won’t calm down. I’ve taken my meds. Tried to breathe deeply. Even pulled out my Pulsetto device and hoped that vagus nerve magic would kick in.

But after nearly 8 hours of high-alert mode, I’m drained.
And if I’m feeling it? I know others are too.

🐣 Why Holidays Can Be So Hard 🐣

Even joyful holidays like Easter can bring on emotional overload.
Maybe it’s the sensory chaos, the family pressure, the empty chairs at the table, or the invisible grief tucked behind traditions.

Sometimes, it’s just too much.
And if your nervous system is already sensitive or if you’re carrying grief, trauma, anxiety or all of the above—your body may go into defense mode before you even realize it.

So let’s talk about it.
Let’s talk about what we can do when the spinning starts.

🌷 8 Calming Techniques for Holiday Overwhelm

1. 🧊 Cold Therapy: Reset the Nervous System

Splash cold water on your face or hold an ice cube in your hand.
This stimulates the vagus nerve and can help reset your stress response.

2. ✨ 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding

A simple technique that gently brings you back into the present.

5 things you can see
4 things you can touch
3 things you can hear
2 things you can smell
1 thing you can taste

3. 🕯 Find Your Escape Space

Whether it’s a quiet bathroom, a porch swing, or even in your parked car—step away. Take a breath. Reset.
Even 5 minutes can make a huge difference.

4. 🌼 Use Your Hands

Fold napkins, brush your hair, hold a warm mug.
These small tactile actions help anchor your body when your thoughts are spiraling.

5. 🎧 Audio Reset

Noise-canceling headphones + calming music or white noise = relief.
Sometimes even a favorite nostalgic song can break the tension.

6. 💛 Breathe With Intention

Try the box breathing technique:
Inhale 4 counts → Hold 4 → Exhale 4 → Hold 4 → Repeat
It tells your body, “You’re safe. We’re okay.”

7. 💬 Speak a Safe Mantra

Something like:

“I’ve felt this before, and it passed. It will pass again.”
“I am grounded. I am safe. I am not alone.”

Say it out loud if you can. Let it become your tether.

8. 🐣 Simplify the Day

Permission granted to not do everything.
Skip the thing. Change the menu. Say no to the visit.
Choose peace over perfection, always.

9. 💍 Wearable Calm: Anxiety Jewelry & Comfort Crystals

If you’re someone who loves tactile tools or spiritual supports, anxiety rings (spinner rings) or bracelets with grounding stones like amethyst, rose quartz, black tourmaline, or lepidolite can be incredibly comforting.

Fidgeting with the ring or holding the stone in your palm can help release nervous energy.
Some even wear essential oil diffuser jewelry—add a drop of lavender or eucalyptus to your bracelet for a calming aroma that stays with you.

10. 🫶 Sync Breathing With Someone Safe

This one is especially helpful when you’re with a partner, friend, or even a child who understands your anxiety.
Sit or stand close, hold hands or rest a hand on each other’s chest, and breathe together—slow, steady, and in sync.

There’s something deeply soothing about feeling you’re not alone in your breath.

11. 🔮 Hold a Comfort Object

Whether it’s a smooth stone, a small plush, a worry stone, or a locket—let yourself have something to hold.
These aren’t “silly” or “childish.” They are anchors.
Little reminders that you are supported, grounded, and loved.

🌱 It’s Okay If Today Is Hard

You’re not failing. You’re not weak.
Your nervous system is just doing what it thinks it needs to do to keep you safe.
But you’re still here. Still trying. Still breathing. Still anchoring.

This Easter weekend, if you’re feeling anxious, overstimulated, or just off—know that you’re not alone.
Your breath matters. Your grounding matters. Your peace is possible. You aren’t alone.

Whether it’s cold water, a crystal in your pocket, or syncing your breath with someone you trust—let yourself be supported.

💬 What Helps You Calm Down During Chaos?

Do you have a favorite grounding tool? A scent, a song, a space that feels like safety?
Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear it, and someone else might need it too. 💛

Light and Love ~Mandy

Stormeyes Enchanted