Molly Watts
Molly Watts, Author & Coach
Think Thursday: The Brain's Window of Tolerance & The Holidays
Think Thursday: The Brain's Window of Tolerance & The Holidays
Think Thursday: The Brain's Window of Tolerance & The Holidays
Thursday 18th December 2025
Explore how the brain's window of tolerance affects holiday stress and learn practical ways to manage it with host Molly Watts.
15 minutes
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About this podcast
Author:
Molly Watts
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Categories:
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Creative Recovery Journeys
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Get the buttons here!Understanding Your Brain's Stress Window During the Holidays
Episode Overview
- The window of tolerance describes how much stress your nervous system can handle.
- Cumulative stress during holidays narrows this window, affecting emotional regulation.
- Cortisol plays a key role in how the brain manages prolonged stress.
- Small, consistent routines can help expand your capacity for stress.
- Adjusting expectations is crucial for intelligent self-regulation.
"You don't expand capacity by pushing harder; you expand it by creating safety, predictability, and compassion."
Curious about how others navigate their sobriety journey? This episode of The Alcohol Minimalist Podcast, hosted by Molly Watts, is a treasure trove of insights into the brain's 'window of tolerance' during the holiday season. Molly explores why December can feel emotionally taxing, even when everything seems fine on the surface. Using neuroscience and psychology, she introduces listeners to the concept of the window of tolerance—a term coined by psychiatrist Dr. Dan Siegel.
It describes the range in which your nervous system can handle stress while still functioning well. Molly explains how cumulative stress, anticipation, sensory overload, and emotional memory can narrow our capacity for regulation during this festive time. She delves into the role of cortisol and how it impacts our brain's ability to manage stress, making us more prone to emotional flooding and survival responses. But fear not, Molly shares practical tips to gently expand your capacity without adding pressure.
From embracing predictability with small routines to practising sensory regulation, she offers ways to help your brain feel safer and more relaxed. Molly's approach is both compassionate and practical, reminding us that coping behaviours are signals of an overwhelmed nervous system rather than a lack of discipline. As the holidays demand more from us, understanding and adjusting our expectations can make all the difference.
So, if you find yourself feeling more stressed or emotional this season, it's not just you—it's your brain working hard to protect you. Why not take a moment to explore how these insights could transform your holiday experience? By prioritising rest and small acts of self-care, you might just find a little more peace in this bustling season.