The Calm After the Chaos: Recovering From Holiday Overstimulation
The days after a holiday often feel surprisingly heavy. Even if the long weekend was meaningful and/or fun, you might feel a little foggy, tense, or just “off.” This might mean that your nervous system is trying to recover from all the action.
Many people expect to feel energized after time off from work, or time with family and friends, but the truth is that holidays often involve:
sensory overload
emotional intensity
disrupted routines
travel stress
people-pleasing
old family dynamics resurfacing
Your body is going to need some time to settle after all that.
What Overstimulation Actually Looks Like
Overstimulation doesn’t always show up in clear and obvious ways. It can show up subtly:
difficulty concentrating
headaches or other body tension
feeling unusually tired
irritability or emotional shortness
feeling disconnected from yourself
wanting to retreat or be alone
This could be your body trying to regulate after a period of heightened activity.
Why Your Nervous System Crashes After Big Events
During the holidays, your system stays “on”: engaging, maybe hosting, navigating family patterns, traveling, or being in crowded environments.
Once it’s all over, your body can finally relax, and the slowdown can feel like a crash.
Post-Holiday Reset Rituals
Here are a few gentle ways to help your nervous system come back down:
Lower sensory input: quiet mornings, dim lights, soft clothing
Grounding movement: slow walks, stretching, doing some breathing exercises
Predictable routines: when it comes to your sleep, hydration, meals, etc.
Alone time: even 20 minutes can help your brain settle
Say no to productivity pressure: your worth isn’t tied to how quickly you “bounce back” at work, the gym, etc.
Your body isn’t failing you. It’s recalibrating.
Give it the softness it’s asking for.
Ready for some support this season?
If you’re noticing stress, overwhelm, or emotional exhaustion after the holidays, our therapists at Havn are here to help you regulate, reconnect, and feel more grounded.
Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation at the link below.