The holiday season is a time of joy, connection, and celebration—but it can also bring its share of stress. Add in the pressures of winter, and it’s no wonder many of us feel overwhelmed.
Modern life, with its 24/7 connectivity, seems engineered to keep us perpetually “on.” While there’s a difference between “good stress” (like meeting a deadline) and “bad stress” (like constant anxiety), your body doesn’t distinguish—too much stress, and your “bucket” overflows.
If you can’t drop your responsibilities (and who can?), the key is finding ways to manage stress effectively.
Here’s a guide to help you lower stress, enjoy the holidays, and feel your best this winter.
1. Start with Meditation
Meditation is one of the simplest, most impactful ways to lower stress. Just 10 minutes a day can calm your mind, reduce cortisol (your stress hormone), and help you feel grounded.
How to get started:
- Find a quiet space, sit comfortably, and focus on your breathing.
Try a simple technique like reverse counting: inhale, countdown from 10, exhale, repeat. - If you prefer guidance, apps like Headspace or Brain.fm make it easy to begin.
Youtube has a selection as well.
2. Take Unplugged Walks
Walking is a fantastic way to clear your mind, especially when you leave your devices behind. A short break from emails, social media, and calls can work wonders for your mental health.
Pro tip: Listen to calming music or nature sounds if complete silence feels too stark.
But skip the podcast or news—it’s time to unwind, not overload your brain.
3. Try a Social Media Fast
We often don’t realize how much time—and stress—social media adds to our lives.
Try a 24-hour fast from all platforms.
What to expect:
- At first, you might feel a little disconnected, but stick with it.
- You’ll likely notice you feel more present, have more time, and experience less stress.
4. Embrace Forest Bathing
Take that unplugged walk or snowshoe through the woods. Studies show that time spent in nature can:
- Lower cortisol levels.
- Decrease your heart rate and blood pressure.
- Promote relaxation and restore focus.
Don’t live near a forest? A park or any green space can still provide benefits.
5. Stretch to Activate Relaxation
Static stretching isn’t just for fitness enthusiasts—it’s a powerful tool for stress relief. Stretching activates your parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which helps your body rest, digest, and recover.
Try these simple stretches to start:
- Child’s Pose: Relaxes your back and calms the mind.
- Seated Forward Fold: Opens up your hamstrings and promotes relaxation.
- Chest Opener: Releases tension from sitting all day.
Aim for a 10–15 minute session 2–3 times a week.
Bonus: Pair it with deep breathing for extra stress relief.
6. Schedule Stress-Relief Activities
Integrating these techniques into your week is key to making them stick. Here’s an example schedule:
- Tuesdays: A 45-minute bike ride or hike in the woods.
- Wednesdays & Sundays: Stretching sessions to reset your body and mind.
- Thursdays: Unplugged walks to decompress.
- Saturdays: A long hike or outdoor adventure to fully recharge.
7. Holiday-Specific Tips
The holidays bring unique stressors, but these tips can help you stay calm and joyful:
- Delegate tasks: Don’t try to do it all. Let others help with cooking, shopping, or decorating.
- Set boundaries: Politely decline events or responsibilities that feel like too much.
- Stick to a budget: Overspending can add unnecessary stress. Plan ahead and keep financial goals in mind.
- Schedule downtime: Block out time to relax, whether that’s reading, watching a holiday movie, or enjoying a cup of tea by the fire.
8. Lean Into Hygge
Winter is the perfect time to embrace hygge, the Danish concept of coziness and contentment. Create a stress-free sanctuary at home with:
- Soft blankets, candles, and warm lighting.
- Comforting foods and drinks, like soup or herbal tea.
- Quiet activities, such as reading, journaling, or listening to calming music.
Why It’s Worth It
Stress is inevitable, but chronic stress doesn’t have to be. By adopting a few of these strategies, you’ll not only survive the holiday season and winter months—you’ll thrive. Make time for self-care, and you’ll have more energy and joy to share with those around you.
Give these tips a try, and let us know which ones work best for you. Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential.
What’s your favorite way to de-stress during the holidays?
Share it in the comments or tag us in your cozy winter moments!
