Why Taking Care of Yourself During the Holiday Stress Matters (and Simple Ways to Do It!)

Simple Holiday Self-Care Ideas to Help You Reduce Stress This Season

The holiday season is such a magical time of the year! But let's be honest, it is also the season that asks so much from us - emotionally, mentally, socially, financially, and physically. Even when everything is going well, there's still pressure to keep up the traditions, stay cheerful, and make everything feel special. With all of the overwhelm of the holidays it is easy for us to forget the importance of holiday self-care and the importance of taking time to just breathe.

The truth is: You’re allowed to slow down. You’re allowed to take up space. You deserve to feel good during the holidays, too.

Self-care isn’t selfish during stressful seasons - it’s survival. And when you take better care of yourself, everything else feels lighter, calmer, and more joyful.

Here are some simple holiday self-care Ideas we’ve put together for you, to help you feel more calm and grounded.

1. Create a Cozy Nighttime Wind-Down Routine

There’s something so comforting about slowing down at night. A cozy nighttime routine is one of the easiest ways to practice self-care during the holidays, especially when your days feel rushed.

Try things like:
• A warm cup of herbal tea (shop here)
• Soft lighting (fairy lights or a salt lamp)
• A few minutes with a weighted blanket (shop here)
• Reading instead of scrolling

2. Protect Your Mental Space (Your Mind Matters, Too!)

If you’re coping with holiday overwhelm, protecting your mental space is one of the most powerful things you can do. It's okay to give yourself permission to rest, even when your schedule feels full.

Some helpful tools:
• A 5-minute meditation video or app
• Journaling your thoughts at the end of the day
• Saying “no” when you’re stretched too thin
• Sitting in silence for a moment before starting the day

Here are some great items to help with practicing your self-care routine:
– Guided journal (shop here)
– Gratitude notebook (shop here)
– Noise-canceling headphones (shop here)
– Gel pens (shop here)

3. Add Some Comfort Into Your Mornings

Mornings set the tone for the whole day - especially in chaotic seasons. Adding comfort into your mornings supports your holiday self-care routine without adding more to your plate.

You can bring in little comforts like:
• A cozy robe or slippers
• Your favorite mug
• A comforting candle
• A hot breakfast you actually sit down to enjoy

Here are some warm and cozy ideas To help bring that comfort into your mornings:

• Cozy Robe (shop here)

• Slippers (shop here)

• Holiday-scented candle (shop here)

• Cozy self-love mug (shop here)

4. Move Your Body in Gentle, Enjoyable Ways

You don’t need a full workout routine - just something that helps your body release stress. Gentle movement can play a huge role in holiday stress relief, even if you only have a few minutes.

Try:
• Stretching for 10 minutes
• A quick walk outside
• Yoga
• Dancing around your living room

Here are some helpful tools to support gentle movement:

• Yoga mat (shop here)

• Resistance bands (shop here)

5. Treat Yourself to the Little Things

Whether it’s a holiday-themed bath bomb, a new blanket, or a book you’ve been wanting to read - small joys add up. Little joys go a long way when it comes to winter wellness.

Here are some of our favorite suggestions:

– Bath bombs (shop here)
– Body scrub (shop here)
– Cozy holiday throw blanket (shop here)
– A bestselling self-help book (shop here)

Remember You Deserve Peace, Too

The holidays don’t have to be so draining. With the right holiday self-care practices, this season can feel warm and meaningful again.

So, this year, check on your heart, not just your shopping list. Slow down when you need to. Choose softness over stress. And give yourself the same love you give everyone else.

If you want to create your own cozy holiday self-care kit, we’ve linked some of our favorite helpful finds throughout this post - the little things that make a big difference.

Because you - yes YOU - deserve a peaceful holiday season. 💛

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With Love,

Radiance Retreat