If you feel more strung out than the twinkly lights on your Christmas tree, this post’s for you. Your gifts-to-buy list is getting longer, you have another holiday party to put on the calendar, and you should be packing for multiple days out of town visiting family and friends. Even if your schedule is full of fun things, adding the extra activities of the holiday season to an already full plate can be stressful.
There’s no doubt that the best way to actually enjoy this season is to stop and take time to care for yourself.
When you feel run down, it’s tough to shop, cook, or decorate — much less actually enjoy it. But instead of getting carried away with the stress that can come with the holiday season, take some time to focus on your well-being so you can be fully present through the cookies and carols. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. Instead of getting overwhelmed by adding another big expense or thing to do, we’ve pulled together simple self-care ideas that take 30 minutes or less. Read on for 11 ways to stay healthy and happy during the holiday season!
feature image: kristen kilpatrick
image: hannah zahner
1. Prioritize Movement
There’s nothing like a good stretch to help move you out of your head and relieve stress. Lay out your yoga mat and put on a short yoga video.
2. Take a Nice Relaxing Bath
Light some candles, pour in some bath salts, put your phone on airplane mode and enjoy a nice soak. Finish with some post-bath dry brushing to help gently detox your body and reduce inflammation that all the holiday eating can boost.
3. Invite a Friend Over for Tea
Sometimes connection is exactly the thing you need. With all the busyness of the season it’s so easy to miss simple connection with the people we love!
image: suku home
4. Take a Nap
My personal favorite. Let’s face it – on top of work, social events and prepping for the holidays you’ve earned it!
5. Try Out a New Recipe
‘Tis the season for holiday yumminess! Blow off some steam by whipping up a batch of Christmas cookies or a yummy baked good to share with your neighbor.
6. Watch An Episode of a Funny Show
If you start to feel stressed and intimidated by your to-do list, take a breather, sit down, and put on a funny show that is guaranteed to make you laugh (like The Office, New Girl or Parks & Rec – they get me every time!). Research has shown that laughing can genuinely boost your mood, as well as reduce the levels of stress hormones in your body. Laughing can even boost your immune system, keeping you from getting sick during this busy time of year. 
7. Get Some Fresh Air
It may be a bit chilly outside, but it’s worth it to bundle up in some extra layers and head outside for a quick walk. Simply being outside in nature is enough to help you feel more calm and refreshed!
image: wildlingbeauty
8. Give Yourself a Mini Facial
Wash your face, try out gua sha and follow that up with your favorite serums and lotions applied slowly. Practice slow massage on your face and neck coupled with a few deep breaths.
9. Practice Gratitude
Write down 5 things you’re thankful for – be specific. With the busyness of the season it can be so easy to not be present with your self and thankfulness is a nice and easy way to recenter your priorities!
image: hannah zahner
10. Pick up Fresh Flowers
We often grab fresh flowers as a gift for other people or as a way to make our home more hospitable when guests are coming. Instead, when you swing by the grocery store next grab a bunch of fresh flowers to brighten up your home or desk just for you!
image: hannah zahner
11. Clean Your Bedroom
Yes, you already have a million things to do, and no, you probably don’t want to add one more chore to that list. But hear me out: cleaning your bedroom can actually help you feel more relaxed in the long run. Clutter in itself can be stressful, and returning to a messy room every night isn’t going to help you sleep soundly.
