The Peaceful Pace: Slowing Down to Reduce Holiday Anxiety
The holidays can feel like a blessing… and a blur. We move from one event to the next, one list to another, and before we know it, December becomes a month of hurrying instead of holy moments. But what if this year looked different? What if you slowed the pace? What if you gave yourself permission to move through this season like Jesus did — with intention, compassion, calm, and unhurried presence?
This week, we’re inviting our hearts to rest. Because slowing down isn’t laziness.
It’s obedience.
It’s wisdom.
It’s choosing peace over pressure.
And your nervous system desperately needs it.
🌿 Jesus Shows Us a Different Way
One of the most overlooked truths in Scripture is this:
Jesus never rushed. He was surrounded by needs… but He still withdrew to quiet places. He healed while being fully present. He walked — step by step, not sprinting — toward every miracle.
📖 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
Jesus doesn’t call us to “push through” the holidays. He calls us to come, rest, breathe, and receive.
🌿 Why Slowing Down Helps With Anxiety
In Dear Anxiety, Let’s Break Up, Dr. Porter reminds us that anxiety thrives in chaos, speed, and overstimulation.
The more hurried our pace, the more confused our thoughts become.
Slowing down creates space for:
clearer thinking
quieter emotions
easier breathing
calmer decisions
and a deeper sense of God’s presence
Dr. Porter calls it interrupting the spiral. Jesus calls it abiding. Both lead us back to peace.
🌿 Simple Ways to Slow the Pace This Week
Here are gentle steps you can take during the holiday bustle:
1. Practice the “Holy Pause”
Before reacting, replying, buying, or saying yes — pause.
Take one deep breath and whisper, “Jesus, lead me.”
2. Choose Presence Over Perfection
Not everything has to be decorated, organized, or done this week.
But you can be fully present wherever God places you.
3. Protect Quiet Time Like an Appointment
Five minutes is enough.
Sit with Jesus.
Read a verse.
Let your soul catch up to your body.
4. Do a Nervous System Reset
From the book: Place your hand over your heart, breathe slowly, and tell your brain,
“I am safe, I am loved, and God is here.”
That one practice alone can lower anxiety.
🌿 Scripture to Anchor You This Week
📖 “He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul.” — Psalm 23:2–3
📖 “Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10
📖 “The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.” — Psalm 29:11
God’s desire is not for you to rush through this season. It’s for you to meet Him in every moment of it.
✍️ Journaling Prompt for the Week
Where in my life do I feel hurried or overwhelmed — and what is Jesus inviting me to release so I can walk in His peace this week?
Take a few minutes to write what comes up. Honesty creates room for healing. 💛
💛 A Gentle Closing
Friend, you don’t have to earn peace — you only need to receive it. This week, practice walking at the pace of Jesus. Let Him lead your steps. Let Him quiet your heart. Let Him reorder what truly matters. Because the most meaningful moments of this season won’t come from what you do… but from how deeply you allow Him to steady your soul.
