To Be Calm Is the Highest Achievement of the Self: How to Protect Your Energy This December

Dec 08, 2025

by Kristina Karlsson

December has a special kind of magic, doesn’t it? Twinkling lights, end-of-year celebrations, time with people we love and the feeling of a fresh new year around the corner.

But alongside the magic, there is often something else: pressure, busyness and a to-do list that seems to grow by the hour.

That’s why, in this recent Monday Motivation episode of the Your Dream Life podcast, I shared one of my favourite quotes:

“To be calm is the highest achievement of the self.” - Zen proverb

I absolutely love this reminder.

Calm is not something we stumble into accidentally at the end of the list when everything is finally done.

Calm is an achievement. A choice. A reflection of our inner work and awareness.

In this blog, I’m going to walk you through how you can cultivate more calm - especially in December - so you can protect your energy and move closer to your dream life, one gentle moment at a time.

Why calm matters more than ever in December

December tends to run at double speed. We’re wrapping up work, finishing projects, going to school concerts, planning travel, organising family gatherings, buying gifts, juggling emotions and memories - all on top of our normal, already-full lives.

If we’re not intentional, we can easily slip into a pace that pulls us away from ourselves.

Away from presence.

Away from joy.

Away from those small, beautiful moments that make this season meaningful and fun.

Calm is what brings us back.

Calm grounds us and quietly whispers, “You are doing enough.” It helps us show up as the version of ourselves we truly want to be - not just for others, but also for ourselves.

And the best part? Calm doesn’t need hours. It can be created in tiny pockets throughout the day.

Insight 1: Micro-moments of stillness change everything

One of the simplest ways to invite more calm into your life is to create what I call micro-moments of stillness.

These are short, intentional pauses - 30 seconds, one minute, five minutes - where you gently reset your nervous system.

Here are a few ideas you can try today:

Before you open your emails in the morning, take three slow, conscious breaths.
When you make a coffee or tea, turn it into a little ritual. Feel the warmth of the cup in your hands, your feet grounding into the floor, and take a few calm breaths.
Every time you transition - from car to house, meeting to meeting, room to room - pause just for a moment and notice your breath.

It’s so simple, but I know it can be hard to remember in a busy season. So let’s make this our mantra: progress, not perfection.

Even one tiny pause is a win.

Insight 2: Lower the bar lovingly

Many of us carry this quiet pressure to make December “perfect”. The perfect food, the perfect gifts, the perfect home, the perfect experience for everyone.

But here’s the truth: magical doesn’t mean perfect. It means present.

Lowering the bar - lovingly - is one of the kindest things you can do for yourself and your calm.

That might look like:

Buying a cake instead of baking from scratch.
Saying no to one event that doesn’t feel aligned.
Simplifying your gifting list.
Choosing an early night instead of squeezing in “one more thing”.

Small acts of gentleness can create massive calm.

Give yourself permission to do things a little more simply this year.

Insight 3: Let your values lead your December

In our Dream Life work, we often talk about values as your compass. When life is busy, your values help you choose what truly deserves your energy - and what doesn’t.

Take a moment to ask yourself:

What matters most to me this month?

Is it presence? Connection? Simplicity? Rest? Joy?

Once you’re clear on your top values for December, you can use them as a filter. If something doesn’t support those values, perhaps it doesn’t need your “yes” - or maybe it can be simplified.

Let your values lead your December, rather than pressure or obligation.

Insight 4: Protect your energy like it’s sacred

Because it is.

Your calm is directly connected to your energy - and your energy is deeply influenced by your boundaries.

This week, try committing to just a few small things:

One early night.
One moment where you choose yourself first - maybe that means leaving an event a little earlier or taking a quiet walk alone.
One activity that truly fills your cup - reading, journaling, a bath, a walk in nature… whatever feels nourishing for you.

And if guilt creeps in (which it often does), gently remind yourself:

When I’m calm, I’m better for everyone and everything I care about.

Insight 5: Rest is not a reward - it’s a partner to great work

Inside my book club, GROW, we’re reading a brilliant book this month: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less. One of its core ideas is that rest isn’t the opposite of work - it’s a vital partner to great work, creativity and wellbeing.

I love this so much, because so many of us wait until we’re absolutely exhausted before we allow ourselves to rest.

Imagine what December would feel like if you built rest in on purpose:

Short breaks during your day.
A quiet afternoon with no plans.
A weekend with fewer commitments.

Rest is productive. Rest is powerful. And rest is essential for your dream life.

If you’d love more support in designing a calmer, more intentional life you love, you can explore Dream Life Coaching here: https://www.yourdreamlifestartshere.com/course

A simple practice to try today: The Calm Minute

If you only try one thing from this blog, let it be this:

Once a day, take one Calm Minute.

Close your eyes.
Place a hand on your heart.
Take a slow, deep breath.
Ask yourself: “What do I need right now?”

Then give yourself just one tiny step towards that need.

It might be a glass of water, stretching your shoulders, stepping outside for fresh air, or sending a message to someone you love.

One minute. One gentle choice. It can shift your entire day.

As you move through December, remember: you don’t have to earn calm. You don’t need to wait for everything to be done.

Calm is available to you right now - in this breath, in this moment, in the choices you make today.

And every time you choose calm, you’re choosing your dream life, one peaceful moment at a time 💛