How to have a stress-free holiday: 16 holiday self-care tips
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA
Learn about the importance of self-care, especially during the holidays. Plus, 16 holiday self-care tips to help you take care of yourself as well as each other.
The holiday season, with its twinkling lights and festive cheer, is often seen as a time of happiness and celebration. But many of us know it can also bring stress and pressure. From planning family gatherings to managing financial concerns, the demands of the season can be overwhelming. Focusing on self-care is essential for nurturing your mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.
What is self-care?
Self-care is taking actions to preserve or improve your health and wellbeing, especially during periods of stress. It's being as kind to ourselves as we would be to others, and it can play a crucial role in our overall mental and physical health.
During the holiday season, self-care can be particularly important. The holidays, while sometimes joyous, can also be filled with stressors like social obligations, financial strain, and the emotional weight of personal or familial expectations. These pressures can take a toll on our wellbeing, making us feel overwhelmed and drained. Self-care can provide a buffer, helping us manage these pressures in healthier ways.
By taking the time for self-care during the holidays, we're better equipped to be present and supportive of others. We can approach holiday tasks and social interactions with more energy and a clearer, more positive mindset.
Self-care can be different for everyone. For some, it might mean setting aside time for a relaxing bath or reading a book. For others, it might involve going for a jog, practicing meditation, or simply saying no to additional holiday commitments. The key is to listen to your own needs and respond in a way that supports your wellbeing.
16 ways to take care of yourself over the holidays
Incorporating self-care practices into your holiday routine can help you have a more relaxed, enjoyable, and meaningful season. Self-care is not about perfection, it's about making small, mindful choices to take better care of yourself, especially during the busy holiday period.
1. Express emotions openly
The holiday season can stir a range of emotions. Allow yourself to express your feelings, whether joy, sadness, or stress. Start a journal, or schedule a weekly call with a friend where you can openly vent, reflect, and seek support. Sharing emotions with someone you trust can be incredibly relieving.
💙 Learn how to create space for your emotions with The Daily Calm’s Reclaiming Emotions session.
2. Make supportive food choices
The holidays are a time to enjoy yourself and that sometimes means indulging in rich and delicious holiday foods and treats. If you’re concerned about overdoing it, make an effort to balance the traditional foods you love with other nutritious options to support your mood and energy levels. You can also practice mindful eating in order to savor your food and avoid stuffing yourself to the point of discomfort.
💙 Learn more about Mindful Eating during this masterclass with Dr. Michelle May.
3. Make time for movement
Physical activity is a great stress reliever. Even a brisk walk in the crisp winter air can uplift your spirits. Find time to move in ways that feel supportive to your body and mental health. Try gentle types of movement like stretching or a yoga session. You might also choose to take walks with family or friends who are in town for the season.
💙 Practice Mindful Movement with Mel Mah during the Daily Move.
4. Schedule self-care time
Block out time in your schedule for self-care activities that relax and rejuvenate you. It could be time dedicated to a nap, a quiet evening with a book, or a creative hobby. Sometimes this means saying no to an event or social engagement to make time for yourself, and that is okay.
5. Practice meditation or positive affirmations
Making time for meditation can help center your thoughts and reduce stress. Even a short one-minute session can help you feel calmer and more present. Including positive affirmations can also help you reinforce a sense of inner peace and personal power.
💙 Learn how to harness the power of positive self-talk with Self-Affirmations during the Daily Jay.
6. Spend some time outside if possible
If the holiday weather allows you to spend time outside, nature can have a calming effect. A walk in the park or simply sitting outdoors can provide a welcome break from indoor festivities. Plan to get out during times when you know you’ll need a mental break.
💙 If you’re unable to get outside, even listening to calming nature sounds, like the Rainy Day on the Farm soundscape, can be comforting.
7. Set healthy boundaries with friends and family
Decide in advance what you're comfortable with, like the number of events to attend or the amount of time you spend on holiday activities. Know your limits, and don’t be afraid to communicate them. It’s okay to turn down invitations or delegate tasks.
💙 Join Jeff Warren as he shares A Secret to Better Boundaries on The Daily Trip.
8. Prioritize rest and sleep
Lack of sleep can make stress worse. Ensure you're getting enough rest by going to bed at the same time each night and creating a bedtime routine that signals to your body that it’s time to wind-down. And remember, the holidays are a great time for naps!
💙 Put on a calming playlist, like Nighttime Wind Down, to help create a restful environment before bed.
9. Stay hydrated
Drinking water throughout the day can improve your overall physical wellbeing and help manage stress levels. If you’re not great at drinking water, try carrying a water bottle with you, or setting reminders on your phone.
10. Be mindful of alcohol consumption
Holiday time tends to come with parties and gatherings with plenty of alcohol. If you choose to partake, remember that alcohol can affect your mood and sleep. You might practice moderation if regulating your mood and sleep schedule is a goal. You could try bringing a non-alcoholic beverage to social gatherings so you can still enjoy a festive toast.
11. Try a preemptive strike with your stressors
Get clear on what aspects of the holidays are most stressful to you, and think through ways you might handle them in advance. This might mean preparing responses to difficult questions, doing your holiday shopping online, or asking a friend to be a check-in buddy during a family trip.
💙 Learn tools to help you Overcome Stress and Anxiety from Dr. Julie Smith.
12. Practice deep breathing exercises
Simple deep breathing techniques can be a quick and effective way to reduce stress on the spot. A good method is the 4–7–8 technique: breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds.
💙 Learn a short practice to help you Reset With The Breath, balance your body, and calm your mind.
13. Stick to a budget
Financial stress can be a significant factor during the holidays. Plan your spending and stick to your budget. Use budgeting apps to help avoid overspending and remember that the thought behind a gift usually means more than how much you spend.
14. Take social breaks
It's essential to have some quiet time away from connecting with others in order to connect with yourself. Look for moments in your schedule where you can enjoy solitude, even if it's just a 15-minute break to have a cup of tea alone.
💙 Learn a new perspective on being alone from The Daily Jay’s Solitude session.
15. Cultivate gratitude
Keep a gratitude journal and write three things you’re grateful for each day to help you focus on the positive aspects of your life and the holiday season. Try doing this in the morning to start your day positively or at night to reflect on the day.
💙 Join Tamara Levitt as she shares tools, insights, and inspiration on how to cultivate Gratitude with a five-part series.
16. Seek support when needed
If you're feeling overwhelmed, reach out to friends, family, or mental health professionals for support.
How to manage holiday stress with meditation and mindfulness
Meditation and mindfulness can significantly reduce stress, especially during the high-pressure holiday season. These techniques help focus your attention and calm the jumbled thoughts that may be crowding your mind and causing stress.
Mindfulness for holiday stress
Mindfulness is the practice of being aware and present in the moment. During the hustle of the holiday season, practicing mindfulness can bring many benefits:
Staying grounded: Being mindful helps you stay connected with the present, preventing you from getting overwhelmed by future anxieties or past regrets.
Enjoying the moment: Using mindfulness practices can help you appreciate the small joys and moments of the holiday season.
Managing emotional responses: Mindfulness can provide tools to manage your reactions to stress and challenging situations more effectively.
Holiday self-care FAQs
What are mental health activities for the holidays?
Mental health activities during the holidays are important for maintaining your wellbeing. Here are a few ideas to try:
Meditation: Take time each day for meditation to help calm your mind and reduce stress.
Exercise: Get regular physical activity, like a short daily walk, to support your mental health.
Socializing: Spend quality time with people who uplift you to benefit your emotional health.
Hobbies: Engage in activities that you enjoy and that relax you, such as reading, crafting, or cooking.
Volunteering: Help others to give your mood a boost and provide a sense of purpose.
Journaling: Write down your thoughts and feelings to help you process emotions.
Mindfulness practices: Add mindfulness into your daily routine to stay present and reduce anxiety.
Relaxation techniques: Try yoga, deep breathing exercises, or progressive muscle relaxation for stress relief.
What is holiday depression called?
Holiday depression, often referred to as the "holiday blues," refers to feelings of sadness, loneliness, and anxiety that some people experience during the holiday season. This can be caused by factors like stress, fatigue, unrealistic expectations, over-commercialization, financial constraints, or the inability to be with one’s family and friends.
How do you take care of yourself over the holidays?
The key to enjoying the holiday season is balancing festivities and responsibilities with self-care and relaxation. It's a time for celebration and joy but also a time to take care of your wellbeing.
Prioritize your needs: Schedule time for activities that relax and rejuvenate you.
Maintain healthy habits: Stick to your regular sleep, exercise, and eating routines as much as possible.
Set boundaries: Know your limits and communicate them to others.
Practice gratitude: Reflect on the things you're thankful for to help improve your mood and outlook.
Take breaks: Step away for a moment of quiet if you feel overwhelmed.
Stay connected: Reach out to loved ones for support and companionship.
Self-reflection: Spend time reflecting on your achievements and challenges over the past year.
Calm your mind. Change your life.
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