12/22/2025
Not everyone yells or controls when they’re overwhelmed.
Some people go quiet.
They disappear into their phones.
They get blank behind the eyes.
They’re technically in the room… but energetically?
They’re far, far away.
This isn’t them being rude.
It’s called hypoarousal, a nervous system state where the body goes numb to stay safe.
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Why It Happens (Especially During the Holidays):
🎄 Too many people.
🎄 Too much stimulation.
🎄 Old family dynamics.
🎄 Unprocessed grief or pressure to “perform.”
The system says: “Let’s just shut down. Maybe no one will notice.”
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What You Can Do (Whether It’s You or Them):
🌿 Offer gentle presence without forcing engagement.
🌿 Don’t take it personally. It’s protection, not punishment.
🌿 If it’s you: take a walk, drink water, find stillness, then re-enter when you’re ready.
🌿 Use sensory grounding — a candle, a pet, the texture of your sweater.
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✨You’re not broken if you go flat during the holidays.
✨You’re not “too much” if you need quiet.
✨You’re not failing if you can’t keep up with the noise.
This is your nervous system asking for a softer way.
Let’s listen.
