17 Little Things You Can Do for Self-Care This Holiday

We don't have to remind you that the holidays can be overwhelming. You might feel yourself being pulled in so many different directions. You might have some awkward interactions with family members. You might feel maxed out socially with all the parties and gatherings. You might feel lonely or have a hard time because you're missing a loved one who has passed or isn't in your life anymore. It's true that the holidays can be so joyful, but they can also take a toll on your mental health.

While this season is all about spending time with family and friends and giving back, it's important to make it a priority to be a little kinder on yourself this time of year, too. You deserve to feel good and enjoy the season. So in the spirit of that, we rounded up a few ideas for self-care so you can treat yourself a little better and relax when things get a crazy during the holidays.

1. Go for a Walk

If you're feeling overwhelmed, you can cool off or calm down by simply taking a walk. The fresh air will do you good, and just getting moving and changing locations can help give you a different perspective or clear your mind.

2. Drink Some Water

3. Take a Bath

4. Meditate

Meditation is an ideal way to combat holiday stress, and it doesn't take that much time to do, either. Just the act of taking some deep breaths and paying attention to your breathing can clear your head. Try the 16-second breath, which was recommended to us by Suze Yalof Schwartz, CEO and founder of Unplug Meditation. Breathe in through your nose for four seconds, hold the breath for four seconds, audibly exhale out for four seconds, and then hold for four seconds.

5. Go Phone-less

Some of the anxiety we get during the holidays can be due to social media. When you're seeing other people's "perfect" holidays, that might make you more depressed or frustrated. Or you might feel too pressured to have a "perfect" holiday. All of that can get out of hand. So try to go phone-less for a few hours or limit your screen time so you can really be present and enjoy the season, without the pressure of Instagram likes.

6. Do a Face Mask

7. Take a Nap

The fatigue can get so real when you're staying up late to go to holiday gatherings, waking up early to meal-prep or get your house ready for guests, or just experience some stress-related insomnia. If you can squeeze in a short nap, go for it. According to the National Sleep Foundation, 20 minutes is all you need to feel refreshed and focused.

8. Read

9. Dance It Out

Pop in some headphones, or turn up the volume high on your home speakers and just dance off any extra frustration, energy… whatever you're feeling. Some studies have found that dance can reduce stress and increase the levels of serotonin (the hormone that can make you feel good). 

10. Catch Up With a Friend

If you're back home for the holidays, it's the perfect time to see old friends. Now, sometimes this might cause some social anxiety (especially if you're in the habit of comparing yourself to others), but certain friends can also provide a level of comfort. With COVID-19 guidelines in place, it may be hard to see people in person, so why not catch up over Zoom or on the phone?

11. Work Out

Release that pent-up stress with a good sweat session. Some of the benefits of a workout include an increase in endorphins and improved mood. And don't feel like you need to do an intense HIIT workout; you can also opt for restorative yoga or a shorter run—whatever keeps you moving should work.

12. Journal

13. Do a Good Deed

Giving back can make you feel so much better and give you some purpose. Focusing on others can help you gain a new perspective, and of course, you're providing some much-needed aid to someone and that makes all the difference. Donate food, clothes, or holiday gifts; volunteer your time (if possible with restrictions in mind); or help a family member or friend in need.

14. Cancel Plans

While you can't exactly cancel everything you don't feel like going to, you should feel empowered to say no to things, especially if you feel like you're stretching yourself too thin. Think about your obligations and what's being asked of you, prioritize the important ones, and (politely) excuse yourself from the others.

15. Indulge in Some Aromatherapy

16. Do a Fun Activity

Don't forget to enjoy what the season has to offer. That might look a bit different right now with social distancing guidelines, but get creative. Bake some cookies, listen to some holiday music, or take a drive around your neighborhood to look at the lights and decorations.

17. Watch a Favorite Show or Movie

Put on your favorite TV show, or holiday movie to make yourself feel a little better. Nostalgia can be a comforting thing.

Next up: 12 Mindfulness Tips to Help You Keep Your Cool Over the Holidays

This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.