The Stories We Tell Ourselves — Rewriting Holiday Stress from the Inside Out

The holidays don’t just stress us out because of busy schedules or family dynamics — often, it’s the stories we tell ourselves about what’s happening that quietly create anxiety, overwhelm, and emotional distance.

In this episode of Closer to You, we explore how your thoughts shape your nervous system, your emotional experience, and your ability to stay calm and connected with your mother or daughter during the holiday season.

Once your body learns how to feel safe, the next step is teaching your mind to believe it. If you’ve ever found yourself thinking: “Why am I the only one who cares?” “She didn’t text back — she must be upset.” “If I don’t do this perfectly, everyone will be disappointed.” —you’re not broken. Your brain is doing exactly what it was designed to do… just a little too well.

In this episode, Steph gently blends cognitive awareness with nervous system regulation, helping you notice, name, and rewrite automatic negative thoughts so they no longer run your season — or your relationships.

You’ll learn how expectations quietly trigger stress, how your body reacts to worried thoughts as if they’re real threats, and how small mindset shifts can bring real calm, clarity, and connection. Because peace isn’t just about what happens around you — it’s about what happens inside you.

✨ In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

Why automatic negative thoughts spike stress so quickly How your thoughts send direct signals to your nervous system.

The hidden impact of expectations and the “should” trap.

The simple thought–feeling–body connection explained clearly.

A practical Pause–Name–Reframe tool to calm your mind in real time.

Why your brain has a negativity bias — and how to gently retrain it.

How gratitude “glimmers” help your body register safety.

Why changing your inner story can change your entire holiday experience.

Need more support? Go to- Stephchaffee.com to connect with Steph