It’s the holidays—lights are twinkling, cookies are baking, and everywhere you turn, people are talking about cheer.
But if we’re being real, I’m over here feeling the opposite.
Anxiety? Off the charts. The spiral? It’s spiraling. Anybody else?
Don’t get me wrong, I’m doing all the things: running my business, coaching clients, posting on LinkedIn like a boss. But underneath it all? Whew, it’s a lot.
If you’re feeling a similar way (but still trying to keep it together), let’s talk about how to navigate this anxious mess.
1. Acknowledge and allow your anxiety to exist.
Step one: Stop pretending you’re fine.
If you’re distracted, anxious, or downright angry, give yourself permission to name it and feel it.
Are you feeling furious about a headline?
Ask yourself, “How can I let this anger just exist today?”
The goal isn’t to fix it but to make space for it.
2. Ask your big feelings what they need
Sometimes, your anxiety or anger just needs a little TLC—or maybe just a walk.
For me, when the spiral starts, I know it’s time to get out of my house and into the fresh air. A change of scenery works wonders for shaking up the mental clutter.
3. Find your safe people
Life should come with the warning label: “DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS ALONE.”
Take a moment to identify the people in your life who feel safe to vent to, cry with, or simply sit in silence. These aren’t just the people who tell you “everything will be fine.” They’re the ones who can hold your hand in the storm.
4. Limit your media consumption
Be honest—what’s fueling the anxiety? Is it TikTok doomscrolling? Endless news alerts?
It’s okay to unplug. (I'm on a break with TikTok, and wow, the difference!)
Give yourself permission to step back without guilt. But also, if you do end up scrolling, cut yourself some slack. It’s natural to want to stay informed, especially in times like these.
5. Jump into action
Here’s the thing about anxiety: It loves to keep you stuck.
But action? Action is the antidote. Instead of getting lost in social media’s endless cycle of outrage, ask yourself, “What can I do?”
It doesn’t have to be big. Call a friend, volunteer, donate, or join a local group working for change. Even small steps can feel like a giant leap toward reclaiming your power.
Listen, you’re not alone in this. Life is heavy right now. But you’re also a badass, and badasses don’t just survive—they thrive, even in the chaos.
You can do this.
Ali Goodin Certified Career Coach in Central FL
I'm a former Disney employee, graphic designer turned career coach, and job transition expert. I created Ful Life Coaching to give professionals of all ages & stages a safe space to navigate career transition. My passion is equipping professionals with the tools and confidence they need to transition in their careers – from launch to retirement – so they can live happier, healthier lives.