The holiday season is full of joy, excitement and, yes, stress. Between shopping for gifts, managing family gatherings, and handling work deadlines, it can feel overwhelming.
We all know that taking care of ourselves during this time is essential to avoid burnout and to truly enjoy the festive moments, but it can feel easier said than done. So in this blog, we’ll share some of our favourite (and easiest) self-care tips to help you unwind, recharge, and make the most of the festive season.
1. Make Time for Relaxation (even if just for a moment)
Amidst the holiday hustle, it's easy to push our own well-being down to the bottom of our priority list. But giving ourselves moments of relaxation – however small – to unwind and recharge is an important part of ensuring we don’t face exhaustion or overwhelm. Try scheduling in pockets of time to do something relaxing and enjoyable for you. Whether it's through a hot bath at the end of the day, reading a book during your lunchbreak, listening to your favourite music or podcast when you wake up, or simply sipping on your favourite warm drink, creating a quiet space where you can recharge and escape the rush can help reduce stress buildup, which could make all the difference during the festivities.
2. Gift Yourself a Massage
It’ll come as no surprise that we think the ultimate form of self-care is through massage. Massage has a wonderful ability to reduce feelings of stress, due to reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the body. As any massage therapist will tell you, it also helps to ease physical tension and inflammation in the body (and, let’s be honest, who doesn’t feel a little tense in the shoulders during the busiest time of the year?) In addition to these benefits, receiving a massage has also been shown to increase the number of lymphocyte cells in the body; white blood cells that play a significant roll in our immune system. Read our previous blog Can Massage Boost Your Immune System? for more details on that.
We would argue that massage is not an indulgent treat that should be dismissed during the holiday season. If massage is something you enjoy, it’s an important part of self-care, much in the same way as healthy eating and exercising.
If you’re able to book in a professional massage, all the better. But even a DIY massage with a partner or friend, or a self-massage, can work wonders for your mind and body. With all the running around that comes with Christmas, scheduling in a massage can be the perfect way to keep your body relaxed and rejuvenated throughout the season.
3. Set Boundaries to Avoid Overcommitting
While the holiday season is a time for togetherness and celebration, it’s easy to say yes to every invitation or event. Overcommitting can lead to exhaustion, so it's essential to set healthy boundaries. Don’t be afraid to say no when you feel your plate is full. Make time for what matters most to you; whether it's spending quality time with close family or simply taking a moment to rest.
4. Get Active with Holiday Walks, Yoga or Exercise
Exercise is a great way to release stress, boost your mood and re-energise your body, especially when you’re feeling tense, overwhelmed or sluggish. We might associate Christmas with staying home and watching Christmas movies in our pyjamas (and there’s absolutely no shame in that), but Christmas also offers plenty of opportunities to stay active. Whether it’s going for a walk in the fresh winter air, practicing gentle yoga at home, or even dancing around your living room to your favourite Christmas music with your kids. You could also take a gentle walk around your neighbourhood to see the Christmas lights displays, or have a family walk after a festive lunch. Even just a few minutes of movement each day can help you feel more energised and mentally clear.
5. Focus on Healthy Eating (but savour your favourite treats)
We all know the importance of healthy eating and keeping treats in moderation. Fuelling your body with nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains and lean protein helps support your energy levels and immune system during the busy season. But it would be foolish to think we’re all going to resist every holiday indulgence that comes our way. Instead of feeling guilty for having a few treats, try to really savour them without guilt. Eating mindfully and with gratitude can help reduce the likelihood of overeating mindlessly. Finding that balance between nourishment and indulgence will help you feel well both physically and mentally during the festivities.
6. Practice Mindfulness and Gratitude
The holidays can feel chaotic, but taking a moment each day to practice mindfulness can centre your thoughts and emotions. Try starting each morning with a few minutes of deep breathing, or journaling about what you're grateful for. Reflecting on the positives in your life, whether big or small, can shift your mindset and increase your sense of calm and contentment. Thinking of things to be grateful for doesn’t have to feel onerous, and it doesn’t have to be huge things either. Perhaps you’re grateful that your partner restocked your favourite coffee just as you were running out, or that your colleague gave you a Christmas card with a thoughtful message. The holidays are a perfect time to express gratitude and connect with the joy of the season.
7. Sleep Well
Sleep is one of the most important aspects of self-care, especially during the holiday season. With everything going on, it’s easy to skimp on sleep. But this can leave you feeling fatigued, drained, irritable, and at risk of knocking your immune system. We know it’s easier said than done, but try to aim for 7-9 hours of rest each night to allow your body and mind to recharge. To improve your sleep quality, establish a calming bedtime routine, limit screen time before bed, and create a peaceful sleep environment.
8. Limit Screen Time and Stay Present
The constant buzz of emails, social media notifications, and digital distractions can quickly lead to burnout. This Christmas, try challenging yourself to disconnect from your devices more often and focus on the present moment. Enjoy the holiday decorations, conversations, and cozy moments without the pressure of staying connected online. Limiting screen time not only helps reduce stress but also encourages you to fully immerse in the joy and magic of the season.
9. Engage in Creative Activities
Expressing your creativity through activities like baking, crafting, or decorating can be incredibly therapeutic. Not only does it provide a fun and enjoyable distraction, studies have shown that engaging in creative activities stimulates the brain and increases neuroplasticity while boosting cognitive function. This can lead to improved memory and increased problem-solving skills. What’s more, when you're creative your brain releases dopamine, a hormone that can improve mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and act as a natural antidepressant.
Try making homemade Christmas cards and DIY ornaments, or baking some festive treats with family members, or even creating a cozy holiday playlist featuring your favourite songs of the season. Engaging in creative activities brings a personal touch and helps foster a sense of accomplishment and well-being.
10. Care for Others
We’ve talked about the ways that we can all look after our own well-being this Christmas, but the holiday season can be a particularly important time to look out for each other, too. Christmas can be a difficult time for many, and it’s a time of year when we all become more aware of those who are struggling. Helping each other is one of the best aspects of humanity, and it can make you feel great, too! Volunteering has been shown to release dopamine in the brain, and help reduce feelings of stress, anxiety and depression. Doing a good deed – within your own healthy boundaries – can put an extra spring in your step, while meaning a great deal to someone else. You could consider donating to your local food bank or toy drive, volunteering at your local charity or community centre, or reaching out to friends, relatives or neighbours who might be feeling lonely. Good deeds don’t have to be grand gestures. Sometimes the smallest of kind actions can mean the most.
Christmas is a time to celebrate and enjoy the company of loved ones, but it’s equally important to care for yourself during the busy holiday season. We hope incorporating some of these self-care tips helps you create a balanced and peaceful holiday. Remember, self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity for your overall well-being. Here's to a stress-free and joyful Christmas!