12/22/2025
The holidays are meant to be joyful yet for many women, they feel overwhelming and exhausting.
Between managing expectations, traditions, family needs, and emotions, rest often feels like something we have to earn. When we can’t slow down, we tend to blame ourselves.
But this isn’t a personal failure. It’s neuroscience.
Our brains reward productivity with dopamine, not rest, which makes slowing down feel uncomfortable, even when our nervous system needs it most.
🧠 Rest is not a reward. It’s a biological necessity.
Rest supports emotional regulation, resilience, focus, and mental health especially during high-stress seasons like the holidays.
If this resonates, we invite you to read more here:
https://centerforneurowellness.com/women-holiday-stress/
Taking care of your brain is one of the most powerful gifts you can give, to yourself and to those you love.
Many women struggle to rest during the holidays, but neuroscience shows that true recovery supports health, performance and well-being.