How to Relax During the Holidays: 10 Tips to Keep You Healthy and Happy

(Last Updated On: November 15, 2022)

THIS IS THE 7th POST IN A NEW SERIES, “KEEPING THE JOY IN YOUR HOLIDAY SEASON”

The holidays are a time of joy and celebration, but for many women in midlife, they can also be a time of stress and anxiety. Between gift shopping, party planning, and trying to keep up with all the traditions, it can be hard to find time to relax.

That’s why you’ll love this list of 10 ways to relax this holiday season. From taking a bath to spending time with friends, there is something for everyone! So take a deep breath and read on for some tips on how to relax during the holidays without feeling overwhelmed.

Before long you’ll be saying, “Holiday stress? What’s that?”

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Why Is It So Important to Find Time to Relax During the Holidays?

The holiday season is a time when family, friends, and work commitments can easily fill up our calendars. While it’s great to be surrounded by loved ones and enjoy all the festivities, it’s also important to find some time to relax.

Our bodies need time to recharge, and if we don’t take that break, we can end up feeling run-down and stressed. This can lead to health problems such as anxiety, insomnia, and even depression.

Here’s my take on this, my friend. If we plan ahead and schedule, literally, some down-time or relaxation time during the busy holiday season, perhaps our need to de-stress will not be such an issue.

So, how to relax during the holidays? In short, make sure to schedule some ‘me time’ during the holidays. Taking some time out for yourself will help you feel refreshed and ready to enjoy all the season has to offer.

Let’s take a closer look!

10 Tips: How to Relax During the Holidays

1 | Start with a healthy morning routine

It’s easy to let your healthy morning routine slide during the holidays, but starting your day off right can make a big difference in how you feel throughout the day. It can be as simple as taking a few minutes for yourself to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea before starting your busy holiday preparations.

Taking some time to relax and rejuvenate first thing in the morning will set the tone for the rest of your day and help you stay calm and focused during the hectic holiday season. Keep this as part of your normal routine, my friend, and you’ll reap the benefits.

2 | Listen to your body

You know your body better than anyone else, so if it’s telling you that it needs a break, listen to it! If you find yourself getting overwhelmed or feeling run-down, take a few minutes to sit down and rest. It’s called self compassion and we all need it from time to time.

It doesn’t matter if there’s still a long list of things to do – what matters is that you’re taking care of yourself. By taking a break when you need it, you’ll be better able to get through the holiday season without feeling exhausted.

Plus, you’ll be more likely to enjoy the festive activities if you’re not running on empty. So next time you start to feel like you need a break, don’t ignore it.

3 | Keep a rein on the schedule

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season and forget to take time for yourself. If you’re feeling stressed out, consider cutting down on your holiday commitments.

Instead of going to every party, choose a few that you really want to attend. Rather than buying gifts for everyone on your list, focus on giving thoughtful presents to a few select people. By simplifying your holiday schedule, you’ll be able to relax and savor the true meaning of the season.

4 | Plan your relaxing time

It may seem silly to schedule your relaxation time, but if you don’t, you’ll likely let the busyness of the holiday season take over and before you know it, you’ll be run down and stressed out.

By putting your relaxation time into your schedule, you’re more likely to actually do it and as a result, feel more relaxed.

This can be as simple as taking 10 minutes before bed to read, stepping outside for a breath of fresh air, or taking a few minutes each day to just sit and breathe. Or maybe you have enough time for a longer activity like yoga or a massage. Whatever form of relaxation works for you, make sure to schedule it in and stick to it!

5 | Make time to exercise

One great way to stay relaxed during the holiday season is to make time for exercise. Even if you only have a few minutes, getting your heart rate up and breaking a sweat can help reduce stress levels and improve your mood.

Exercise releases endorphins, which have natural mood-boosting properties. Not to mention, it can also give you more energy to get through your busy holiday schedule. Take a few minutes out of your day to fit in a quick workout, and you’ll be feeling more relaxed in no time.

6 | Step away from the phone each day

It’s easy to get wrapped up in social media and your phone during the holiday season. You’re trying to stay connected with family and friends, and you want to make sure you don’t miss any important updates.

But all of that scrolling can be really stressful. Just think about how many times you’ve seen something on social media that’s made you anxious or angry.

Now imagine trying to enjoy your holiday dinner while scrolling through all of that. It’s not going to happen!

Instead, commit to stepping away from your phone and social media each day. That way, you can focus on the things that really matter, like spending time with your loved ones and savoring the moment. You’ll be surprised how much more relaxed you feel when you’re not constantly checking your feeds.

7 | Watch your favorite holiday movie

One of the best ways to relax during the holidays is to watch your favorite holiday movie. This will allow you to escape the hustle and bustle of the season and enjoy some quality time with yourself.

Make sure to choose a movie that truly puts you in the holiday spirit, so you can fully immerse yourself in the experience. If you don’t have a favorite holiday movie, now is the perfect time to find one. Curl up with a cup of hot cocoa and explore the many classic and modern holiday films that are available.

With so many great options out there, you’re sure to find a movie that you love. So turn off your phone, sit back, and enjoy your favorite holiday film. You deserve it!

Here a just a few iconic holiday favorites to rent or purchase:

8 | Bake your favorite holiday treats

Baking your favorite holiday treat can be a great way to relax during the busy holiday season. When you bake, you can take your time and enjoy the process.

Be sure to measure the ingredients carefully, and take your time mixing everything together. If you’re feeling really stressed, put on some soothing music or light a scented candle to help you relax.

Once your treat is in the oven, take a few deep breaths and try to clear your mind. Focus on the positive things in your life, and try not to worry about the things you can’t control.

When your treat is done baking, take a moment to enjoy the scent of it wafting through your home. Make yourself a cup of tea or coffee, sit down, and savor every bite.

Baking can be a great way to relax and de-stress during the holiday season.

9 | Enjoy a holiday playlist of your favorites

Music has an uncanny ability to tap into our emotions and memories. That’s why creating a holiday playlist of your favorite seasonal songs can be such a powerful relaxant during the busy holiday season.

Whether you’re feeling stressed about gift shopping, preparing for family gatherings, or just missing the warmth of summer, a few minutes of listening to your favorite tunes can work wonders for your mood.

So dust off those holiday classics or discover some new seasonal favorites, and let the music transport you to a more peaceful place.

10 | schedule coffee with a friend

Coffee dates with friends are the perfect way to relax and decompress during the holiday season. Make time for one coffee date per week if you can, and use this time to catch up with your friend and vent about the stresses of the season.

You’ll both feel better after getting everything off your chest, and you’ll be able to approach the rest of the season with a more positive attitude. Plus, taking a break from the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations will help you to recharge your batteries and avoid burnout.

Conclusion: How to relax during the holidays

The holidays can be a stressful time, but with these 10 tips for relaxation, you’ll be able to enjoy the season more. From watching your favorite holiday movie to baking your favorite treat, there are plenty of ways to relax and de-stress this season.

So take a break from the madness, curl up on the couch, and enjoy some peace and quiet.

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