The Holiday Emotional Hangover: Managing People When You're Running On Empty

December 23, 2025

Hello, hello — and welcome back to Greedy Bitch, the podcast for groomers who are done apologizing for wanting more. I’m your host, River Lee, founder of The Savvy Groomer — and if you’re new here, this show is where we talk about the real side of running a grooming business: the money, the mindset, and the messy middle that no one warns you about. And today, whew… we’re talking about the holiday emotional hangover — managing people when you’re running on empty. December isn’t just busy. It’s emotionally contagious. Everyone’s buzzing, frazzled, sugar-crashing — and you’re the one trying to keep it all together. So grab your coffee, or maybe that third peppermint mocha, and let’s talk about what happens when your clients’ emotions start colliding with your own — and how to calm the storm without losing your mind. Alright, let’s just call it what it is — December has big energy. Everyone’s rushing, panicking, over-spending, over-promising, and under-resting. And guess who they bring that energy to? You. It’s like being the emotional barista for the entire town. They come in steaming, foaming at the top, and expect you to serve them calm in a to-go cup. I call it emotional glitter — because it gets everywhere. You think you’ve brushed it off, but nope — it’s on your schedule, your inbox, your mood, your poor bather who just wanted to eat their sandwich in peace. Picture this: A client bursts through your door — breathless, late, apologizing — “Oh my god, I’m so sorry, traffic was crazy, I had to fight three people at Target for a Squishmallow, the kids are screaming, the tree fell over…” And before you even realize it, you’re vibrating at a 9 out of 10 and you haven’t even touched a dog yet. That’s what I mean when I say December is emotionally contagious. You can pick up someone else’s stress faster than dog hair on a clean pair of black leggings. Now here’s the first truth I need you to remember: 👉 You can’t calm a client when your own nervous system is on fire. This is what I call emotional triage. Before you start managing their meltdown, you’ve got to check your own vitals. Take a breath right now with me — inhale… exhale… That’s the sound of you taking your power back. I want you to pause and literally ask yourself: “On a scale of 1 to 10, how stressed am I right now?” Be honest — no one’s grading this. If you’re at a 5 or 6, you can probably stay calm. If you’re at an 8, 9, or full-blown “someone breathe near me and I might cry,” that’s a no. If your number’s above a 7 — do. not. engage. Don’t respond to that text. Don’t pick up that phone. Don’t start that conversation yet. Because you wouldn’t clip hair with a dull blade — so why handle a client with a dull emotional edge? That pause? That’s not avoidance. That’s leadership. That’s saying, “I care enough about this relationship to not come in swinging.” So when you feel that wave of stress hit, try a quick 90-second reset. Step outside, get a sip of water, stretch your shoulders, pet a dog who makes you smile — anything that signals to your brain: “We’re safe. We’ve got this.” And if you can’t physically leave the table, at least change your mental room. Turn on a calm song. Spray some peppermint oil. Roll your shoulders, unclench your jaw. That’s you flipping your nervous system switch from fight-or-flight to focused-and-fine. Because here’s the deal — your energy sets the tone. If you walk into the salon sharp, tired, and snippy, your clients will mirror it right back to you. They’ll start to feel defensive, tense, maybe even combative — and you’ll start thinking, “Ugh, why are all my clients acting crazy lately?” Spoiler: it’s because you feel crazy lately. Now, that’s not shame. That’s awareness. We’re human. We have bad days. But the more you practice emotional triage, the easier it becomes to catch yourself before the spiral. Think of it like brushing out a small tangle before it turns into a matt — You deal with it early, gently, and regularly, so it doesn’t turn into a painful, snarled mess later. So here’s your first little exercise for this week: Before you answer any client text, take three seconds and rate your stress level. If it’s 1–6, respond calmly. If it’s 7 or higher — delay it. You’ll be amazed how many “emergencies” solve themselves if you give them an hour and a deep breath. And when you start showing up that way — grounded, measured, in control — you’ll notice something magical happen. Clients stop spiraling as much. Your team relaxes. The dogs behave better. Because everyone — humans and animals alike — feel safer around calm leadership. That’s your new job title this holiday season, my friend: Chief Emotional Regulator of Chaos. Let’s talk about what I call the mirror principle. Clients don’t actually respond to what you say — they respond to how you feel. Your energy is the message before the words even land. If you’re anxious, they get defensive. If you’re calm, they exhale. If you’re frazzled, they assume something’s wrong. They are literally holding a mirror up to your tone and energy. And this is the part no one tells you when you open your grooming business — you’re not just the groomer. You’re the emotional thermostat of the room. That’s why one of the best leadership skills you can ever develop isn’t a fancy grooming technique — it’s emotional regulation. And I don’t mean faking calm while you’re internally screaming. I mean actually finding it. So what does that look like in real life? Let’s say a client texts you: “Hey! I totally forgot to book Fluffy’s Christmas groom, can you squeeze me in this Saturday?” Old you: panic, guilt, heart racing, scrolling your calendar, bargaining with your sleep schedule like, “Maybe if I stay late and skip dinner, I can make it work?” But the Greedy Bitch version of you — she pauses. She takes a deep breath, checks her schedule, and decides to respond with grounded confidence: “Hey Susan! I’d love to help, but I’m completely booked through the holidays. I can put you on my cancellation list or go ahead and schedule January so she’s fresh for the new year.” You’re not cold. You’re not apologizing. You’re clear, kind, and calm. And guess what? That calm energy is contagious too. When you model calm, people borrow it. When you model chaos, they mirror that. It’s just like dating — if you’re texting someone while overanalyzing every emoji, they feel it. But if you’re confident, relaxed, and grounded in your own worth, they lean in. They trust you. Same thing with clients. They don’t want to feel your overwhelm — they want to feel your assurance. That sense of, “You’re in good hands. I’ve got this.” Now picture this: A client walks in with full-on holiday stress eyes — you know the look. Like they’ve been wrapping presents and crying since Tuesday, running on caffeine and chaos. They’re talking too fast, fumbling their wallet, apologizing for everything. Your job in that moment isn’t to absorb their energy — it’s to transform it. You do that with your tone, your body language, and your environment. Smile softly. Slow your voice. Make eye contact. You might say something like: “Hey, deep breaths — we made it! Fluffy’s here, we’ve got her. Go grab a coffee and enjoy your break.” It’s not about the words — it’s the vibe. You’re giving permission for peace. And here’s the best part: when you do this enough, it becomes muscle memory. You’ll start catching yourself before the spiral — and shifting energy in seconds. You’ll realize: “I don’t have to ride their rollercoaster. I can stand on the ground and hold the gate steady.” You just became the calm in their chaos. And the more you practice that, the easier it gets — for you, for your team, and for every stressed-out client walking through your door. Because remember — your calm doesn’t just change the day. It changes the room. So now that you’ve learned how to manage the energy between you and your clients, let’s zoom out and talk about something bigger — the energy of your space. Because here’s the truth: Even if you’re grounded, your salon can still be chaotic. Every conversation, every bark, every sigh leaves a little energetic residue behind — like emotional fur floating in the air. So if you’re fried, your clients will feel it the second they walk in. That’s why it’s time to do a little energy reset. Not just for them — for you. 🌿 1️⃣ Sensory Reset Think of your salon like a nervous system. Music, scent, and light are the sensory signals that tell everyone — “We’re safe. We’re calm. We’ve got this.” So let’s fine-tune them. Music: Forget “Jingle Bell Rock” on repeat. Pick a playlist that matches the energy you want, not the chaos you have. Think mellow lo-fi, acoustic coffeehouse, even spa playlists. Something that helps you breathe slower. Scent: Peppermint for focus. Lavender for calm. Vanilla for comfort. And please — skip the “cinnamon explosion” candles that smell like a Yankee Candle store on fire. Use a diffuser or light essential oils instead. Subtle is soothing. Lighting: Lighting is huge. If you can, swap harsh white bulbs for warm ones. Harsh light screams “stress.” Warm tones whisper “peace.” You’d be amazed how a 10-dollar bulb can change the vibe of your whole space. And if you work mobile — the same rules apply. Your van is a rolling salon and a rolling mood board. Keep a calming scent, play quiet music between appointments, and clear out that chaos energy between stops. ☕️ 2️⃣ Micro-Breaks Now let’s talk about you. Because no playlist or diffuser can fix burnout if you never take a breath. I know, I know — “I don’t have time.” But here’s the truth: you don’t have the time not to. Every 90 minutes, take 60 seconds to check in with your body. Stretch your neck. Unclench your jaw. Sip some water. Let your shoulders drop away from your ears. You’d be shocked how many groomers are running on caffeine, adrenaline, and vibes — wondering why they’re snappy or emotional. You’re not a machine. Even machines need maintenance. And no, scrolling Instagram in the bathroom doesn’t count as a break. That’s distraction — not restoration. Try something grounding instead — deep breaths, gratitude, or even a quick “shake it out” moment before your next client. Give yourself permission to pause. It’s not lazy. It’s leadership. 💬 3️⃣ Boundary Scripts And speaking of leadership — let’s talk about the kind of energy that really resets a salon: boundaries. Because nothing drains your emotional tank faster than feeling walked over. This is where we connect back to that blog I wrote — “How to Fire a Client Gracefully.” Boundaries aren’t just about saying no; they’re about creating structure that lets everyone relax. When you set boundaries with kindness and clarity, you’re modeling calm, professional energy that your clients can trust. Let’s go through a few real-life scripts for this holiday chaos: Client wants an express groom you no longer offer: “It’s been amazing taking care of Fluffy these past two years. We’ve grown a lot, and we’re changing how we schedule to make sure each pet gets the time and attention they need. Unfortunately, I’m no longer offering straight-through grooms, but I can recommend some amazing groomers who do!” Notice the tone: kind, confident, clear. You’re not apologizing for growing — you’re celebrating it. Client running late (again): “Hey Susie Q — I adore Fluffy, but when you’re late it pushes everyone back and shortens her time with me. I really want her to get the full ABC Groomer treatment. What can we do to make sure she gets that?” That’s boundary-setting done with grace. You’re not scolding — you’re inviting problem-solving. Because remember — your job is to be the guide, not the hero or the villain. When you can deliver boundaries with calm kindness, your energy stays clean. You walk away proud, not guilty. Your clients feel respected, not reprimanded. That’s the kind of energy that keeps your salon — and your sanity — sustainable. So next time you feel the chaos creeping in, take a second to reset your space, your body, and your boundaries. Because managing energy isn’t about perfection — it’s about intention. And that’s the difference between just surviving December… and actually enjoying it. So here’s your homework, my friend — before you answer that next client text or pick up the phone this week, do an emotional check-in. Rate your stress from 1 to 10. If you’re above 7, pause. Breathe. Because emotional triage isn’t selfish — it’s smart business. Your clients will always mirror your energy. When you show up calm, grounded, and clear — they will too. So take the time to reset your energy, use your scripts, and remember that being a Greedy Bitch isn’t about greed — it’s about protecting your peace, your profit, and your purpose. And hey, if you need help setting boundaries, raising prices, or finding your soulmate clients, come hang out with me inside The Circle at TheSavvyGroomer.com/group Until next time — stay savvy, stay greedy, and never apologize for wanting more. 💋

Episode Transcript

Alright, let’s just call it what it is — December has big energy.
Everyone’s rushing, panicking, over-spending, over-promising, and under-resting.
And guess who they bring that energy to?
You.
It’s like being the emotional barista for the entire town.
They come in steaming, foaming at the top, and expect you to serve them calm in a to-go cup.
I call it emotional glitter — because it gets everywhere.
You think you’ve brushed it off, but nope — it’s on your schedule, your inbox, your mood, your poor bather who just wanted to eat their sandwich in peace.
Picture this:
A client bursts through your door — breathless, late, apologizing —
“Oh my god, I’m so sorry, traffic was crazy, I had to fight three people at Target for a Squishmallow, the kids are screaming, the tree fell over…”
And before you even realize it, you’re vibrating at a 9 out of 10 and you haven’t even touched a dog yet.
That’s what I mean when I say December is emotionally contagious.
You can pick up someone else’s stress faster than dog hair on a clean pair of black leggings.
Now here’s the first truth I need you to remember:
👉 You can’t calm a client when your own nervous system is on fire.
This is what I call emotional triage.
Before you start managing their meltdown, you’ve got to check your own vitals.
Take a breath right now with me — inhale… exhale…
That’s the sound of you taking your power back.
I want you to pause and literally ask yourself:
“On a scale of 1 to 10, how stressed am I right now?”
Be honest — no one’s grading this.
If you’re at a 5 or 6, you can probably stay calm.
If you’re at an 8, 9, or full-blown “someone breathe near me and I might cry,” that’s a no.
If your number’s above a 7 — do. not. engage.
Don’t respond to that text.
Don’t pick up that phone.
Don’t start that conversation yet.
Because you wouldn’t clip hair with a dull blade — so why handle a client with a dull emotional edge?
That pause? That’s not avoidance. That’s leadership.
That’s saying, “I care enough about this relationship to not come in swinging.”
So when you feel that wave of stress hit, try a quick 90-second reset.
Step outside, get a sip of water, stretch your shoulders, pet a dog who makes you smile — anything that signals to your brain: “We’re safe. We’ve got this.”
And if you can’t physically leave the table, at least change your mental room.
Turn on a calm song. Spray some peppermint oil.
Roll your shoulders, unclench your jaw.
That’s you flipping your nervous system switch from fight-or-flight to focused-and-fine.
Because here’s the deal — your energy sets the tone.
If you walk into the salon sharp, tired, and snippy, your clients will mirror it right back to you.
They’ll start to feel defensive, tense, maybe even combative — and you’ll start thinking, “Ugh, why are all my clients acting crazy lately?”
Spoiler: it’s because you feel crazy lately.
Now, that’s not shame. That’s awareness.
We’re human. We have bad days. But the more you practice emotional triage, the easier it becomes to catch yourself before the spiral.
Think of it like brushing out a small tangle before it turns into a matt —
You deal with it early, gently, and regularly, so it doesn’t turn into a painful, snarled mess later.
So here’s your first little exercise for this week:
Before you answer any client text, take three seconds and rate your stress level.
If it’s 1–6, respond calmly.
If it’s 7 or higher — delay it.
You’ll be amazed how many “emergencies” solve themselves if you give them an hour and a deep breath.
And when you start showing up that way — grounded, measured, in control — you’ll notice something magical happen.
Clients stop spiraling as much.
Your team relaxes.
The dogs behave better.
Because everyone — humans and animals alike — feel safer around calm leadership.
That’s your new job title this holiday season, my friend:
Chief Emotional Regulator of Chaos.

Let’s talk about what I call the mirror principle.
Clients don’t actually respond to what you say — they respond to how you feel.
Your energy is the message before the words even land.
If you’re anxious, they get defensive.
If you’re calm, they exhale.
If you’re frazzled, they assume something’s wrong.
They are literally holding a mirror up to your tone and energy.
And this is the part no one tells you when you open your grooming business — you’re not just the groomer. You’re the emotional thermostat of the room.
That’s why one of the best leadership skills you can ever develop isn’t a fancy grooming technique — it’s emotional regulation.
And I don’t mean faking calm while you’re internally screaming.
I mean actually finding it.
So what does that look like in real life?
Let’s say a client texts you:
“Hey! I totally forgot to book Fluffy’s Christmas groom, can you squeeze me in this Saturday?”
Old you: panic, guilt, heart racing, scrolling your calendar, bargaining with your sleep schedule like,
“Maybe if I stay late and skip dinner, I can make it work?”
But the Greedy Bitch version of you — she pauses.
She takes a deep breath, checks her schedule, and decides to respond with grounded confidence:
“Hey Susan! I’d love to help, but I’m completely booked through the holidays. I can put you on my cancellation list or go ahead and schedule January so she’s fresh for the new year.”
You’re not cold.
You’re not apologizing.
You’re clear, kind, and calm.
And guess what? That calm energy is contagious too.
When you model calm, people borrow it.
When you model chaos, they mirror that.
It’s just like dating — if you’re texting someone while overanalyzing every emoji, they feel it.
But if you’re confident, relaxed, and grounded in your own worth, they lean in. They trust you.
Same thing with clients.
They don’t want to feel your overwhelm — they want to feel your assurance.
That sense of, “You’re in good hands. I’ve got this.”
Now picture this:
A client walks in with full-on holiday stress eyes —
you know the look.
Like they’ve been wrapping presents and crying since Tuesday, running on caffeine and chaos.
They’re talking too fast, fumbling their wallet, apologizing for everything.
Your job in that moment isn’t to absorb their energy — it’s to transform it.
You do that with your tone, your body language, and your environment.
Smile softly. Slow your voice. Make eye contact.
You might say something like:
“Hey, deep breaths — we made it! Fluffy’s here, we’ve got her. Go grab a coffee and enjoy your break.”
It’s not about the words — it’s the vibe.
You’re giving permission for peace.
And here’s the best part: when you do this enough, it becomes muscle memory.
You’ll start catching yourself before the spiral — and shifting energy in seconds.
You’ll realize:
“I don’t have to ride their rollercoaster. I can stand on the ground and hold the gate steady.”
You just became the calm in their chaos.
And the more you practice that, the easier it gets — for you, for your team, and for every stressed-out client walking through your door.
Because remember — your calm doesn’t just change the day.
It changes the room.

So now that you’ve learned how to manage the energy between you and your clients, let’s zoom out and talk about something bigger — the energy of your space.
Because here’s the truth:
Even if you’re grounded, your salon can still be chaotic.
Every conversation, every bark, every sigh leaves a little energetic residue behind — like emotional fur floating in the air.
So if you’re fried, your clients will feel it the second they walk in.
That’s why it’s time to do a little energy reset.
Not just for them — for you.
________________

🌿 1️⃣ Sensory Reset
Think of your salon like a nervous system.
Music, scent, and light are the sensory signals that tell everyone — “We’re safe. We’re calm. We’ve got this.”
So let’s fine-tune them.
Music:
Forget “Jingle Bell Rock” on repeat.
Pick a playlist that matches the energy you want, not the chaos you have.
Think mellow lo-fi, acoustic coffeehouse, even spa playlists.
Something that helps you breathe slower.
Scent:
Peppermint for focus.
Lavender for calm.
Vanilla for comfort.
And please — skip the “cinnamon explosion” candles that smell like a Yankee Candle store on fire.
Use a diffuser or light essential oils instead. Subtle is soothing.
Lighting:
Lighting is huge.
If you can, swap harsh white bulbs for warm ones.
Harsh light screams “stress.”
Warm tones whisper “peace.”
You’d be amazed how a 10-dollar bulb can change the vibe of your whole space.
And if you work mobile — the same rules apply.
Your van is a rolling salon and a rolling mood board.
Keep a calming scent, play quiet music between appointments, and clear out that chaos energy between stops.
________________

☕️ 2️⃣ Micro-Breaks
Now let’s talk about you.
Because no playlist or diffuser can fix burnout if you never take a breath.
I know, I know — “I don’t have time.”
But here’s the truth: you don’t have the time not to.
Every 90 minutes, take 60 seconds to check in with your body.
Stretch your neck.
Unclench your jaw.
Sip some water.
Let your shoulders drop away from your ears.
You’d be shocked how many groomers are running on caffeine, adrenaline, and vibes — wondering why they’re snappy or emotional.
You’re not a machine.
Even machines need maintenance.
And no, scrolling Instagram in the bathroom doesn’t count as a break.
That’s distraction — not restoration.
Try something grounding instead — deep breaths, gratitude, or even a quick “shake it out” moment before your next client.
Give yourself permission to pause.
It’s not lazy. It’s leadership.
________________

💬 3️⃣ Boundary Scripts
And speaking of leadership — let’s talk about the kind of energy that really resets a salon: boundaries.
Because nothing drains your emotional tank faster than feeling walked over.
This is where we connect back to that blog I wrote — “How to Fire a Client Gracefully.”
Boundaries aren’t just about saying no; they’re about creating structure that lets everyone relax.
When you set boundaries with kindness and clarity, you’re modeling calm, professional energy that your clients can trust.
Let’s go through a few real-life scripts for this holiday chaos:
Client wants an express groom you no longer offer:
“It’s been amazing taking care of Fluffy these past two years. We’ve grown a lot, and we’re changing how we schedule to make sure each pet gets the time and attention they need. Unfortunately, I’m no longer offering straight-through grooms, but I can recommend some amazing groomers who do!”
Notice the tone: kind, confident, clear.
You’re not apologizing for growing — you’re celebrating it.
Client running late (again):
“Hey Susie Q — I adore Fluffy, but when you’re late it pushes everyone back and shortens her time with me. I really want her to get the full ABC Groomer treatment. What can we do to make sure she gets that?”
That’s boundary-setting done with grace.
You’re not scolding — you’re inviting problem-solving.
Because remember — your job is to be the guide, not the hero or the villain.
When you can deliver boundaries with calm kindness, your energy stays clean.
You walk away proud, not guilty.
Your clients feel respected, not reprimanded.
That’s the kind of energy that keeps your salon — and your sanity — sustainable.
________________

So next time you feel the chaos creeping in, take a second to reset your space, your body, and your boundaries.
Because managing energy isn’t about perfection — it’s about intention.
And that’s the difference between just surviving December… and actually enjoying it.

So here’s your homework, my friend — before you answer that next client text or pick up the phone this week, do an emotional check-in.
Rate your stress from 1 to 10.
If you’re above 7, pause.
Breathe.
Because emotional triage isn’t selfish — it’s smart business.
Your clients will always mirror your energy.
When you show up calm, grounded, and clear — they will too.
So take the time to reset your energy, use your scripts, and remember that being a Greedy Bitch isn’t about greed — it’s about protecting your peace, your profit, and your purpose.
And hey, if you need help setting boundaries, raising prices, or finding your soulmate clients, come hang out with me inside The Circle at TheSavvyGroomer.com/group
Until next time —
stay savvy, stay greedy, and never apologize for wanting more. 💋

The Holiday Emotional Hangover: Managing People When You're Running On Empty

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