‘Main udna chahta hoon, daudna chahta hoon, girna bhi chahta hoon… bas rukna nahi chahta.’ 

 

This line from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani stayed in Sarah’s heart for years. It pushed her to keep going, keep doing it, and keep shining through every festive moment. December only amplified at that pace. 

Her holiday pictures looked cheerful and bright. But inside, she ran on empty. The American Psychological Association reports that 43 per cent of adults say holiday stress affects their ability to enjoy the season, and Sarah quietly lived in that number. 

 

One night, she caught her reflection in the window. 
Her eyes looked tired. 
A familiar thought whispered, ‘If the pace slows, everything falls apart.’ 
Another followed, ‘If the smile fades, people will think something is wrong.’ 

Tears rose softly. That moment became her first real pause. 

 

When Sarah Finally Slowed Down 

The next morning, she made a simple choice. 
She muted notifications. 
She left the dishes as they were. 
She sat on the balcony with a cup of chai that cooled in her hands. 

Ten minutes stretched into thirty. 
Nothing collapsed. 
Her children still laughed. The house stayed warm. 
Life continued, even when she stopped. 

That pause felt new, strange, and comforting all at once. 

 

 

The Subtle Shifts That Followed 

Over the next few days, small changes unfolded. 

Her headaches eased. 
Her laughter came naturally again. 
She tasted the food she cooked. 
Her mother said, ‘You look lighter today,’ and the words settled deeply. 

 

Guilt still tried to return with old messages like “strong women do everything,” but she answered gently: 
‘Strong women also deserve rest.’ 

 

Simple daily rituals grounded her wellness: 
• Placing her phone away during mornings 
• Taking slower, longer walks 
• Lighting one diya for herself before lighting the rest 
• Writing three lines each night: ‘Today I rested. Nothing broke.’ 

Sarah didn’t give up her ambition. She simply learned how mindfulness helps the heart stay steady. 

 

 

If Sarah’s Story Feels Familiar 

The festive season holds joy, but it also brings pressure, comparison, noise, and invisible emotional load. 
Many move through December on autopilot, unaware of how quickly stress builds. 

 

 

At iDare, we support people who want to slow down without guilt. 
We help individuals explore rest as a form of strength, not weakness. 

Through safe spaces like coaching, circles, and guided reflection, people learn to: 

• Pause with kindness 

• Set gentle boundaries 

• Understand emotional burnout 

• Reconnect with inner calm 

 

Rest protects wellness. 
Rest steadies the mind. 
Rest brings the self back home. 

 

If your December already feels heavy, step into iDare. Come exactly as you are. We hold space for tired hearts and busy minds. Let this season feel human again. 

 

The couch stays warm here. 
Your breath matters here. 
Your rest belongs here. 

 

Feeling the holiday hustle wearing you down? You’re not alone, and that’s perfectly okay.
This December, we’re here with gentle reminders to breathe, rest, and find joy in the quiet moments, too. More cosy, real, fatigue-friendly Christmas reflections are coming your way all month long. 🎄🕯️
Been there, felt that overwhelm? Share your story!
Drop your thoughts on surviving holiday fatigue, your favourite ways to recharge, or a letter to “Christmas, slow down!” in the comments. We’d love to feature your voice.
You don’t have to sparkle 24/7, just show up as you are.
We’ve got you. ❤️