The holidays are supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but let’s be real: they often feel like a whirlwind of to-do lists, social obligations, and stress. Between shopping, wrapping, cooking, cleaning, hosting, and—oh yeah—trying to enjoy yourself, it’s no wonder so many of us feel overwhelmed.
The good news? You can survive the holiday chaos without losing your mind. Here’s how to keep your cool, manage stress, and maybe even find some joy this season.
1. Prioritize the Essentials
Not everything on your list is a must-do. Take five minutes to jot down what really matters—whether it’s spending time with loved ones, preparing a special meal, or just relaxing with a cup of cocoa. Let go of the pressure to do it all.
2. Schedule in Rest
Yes, rest needs to be scheduled. The hustle and bustle of the season can drain your energy if you’re not intentional about taking breaks. Whether it’s five minutes of deep breathing, a 10-minute walk outside, or a long soak in the tub with calming bath salts (like Apela’s Dead Chilled Bath Soak), make time for moments that recharge you.
3. Lean on Your Nervous System
When stress peaks, your body’s built-in de-stressors can help you recalibrate. Try these simple strategies:
- Breathwork: Practice the 4-7-8 breathing technique to calm your mind. Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, and exhale for 8.
- Stretching: Loosen up tension with light stretches, especially in your shoulders and neck.
- Soaking: A warm bath can work wonders for your body and mind. Our Dead Chilled Bath Soak combines magnesium-rich salts, eucalyptus, and bergamot oils to ease muscle tension and melt away stress.
4. Stick to a Sleep-Friendly Routine
Stress and poor sleep are a vicious cycle, and the holidays can throw your schedule out of whack. Combat this by:
- Setting consistent bedtimes and wake times, even on weekends.
- Avoiding heavy meals and alcohol close to bedtime.
- Creating a cozy evening ritual, like sipping on a warm drink (check out the recipe below!) and soaking in the tub to prep your body for restful sleep.
5. Say “No” Without Guilt
Remember, every “yes” to something you don’t want to do is a “no” to your own peace. Practice setting boundaries—politely declining an invitation or delegating a task is an act of self-care.
Bonus: Cozy Evening Drink Recipe for Deep Sleep
Sip your way to serenity with this easy, stress-busting drink.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm almond or oat milk
- 1 tsp honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- A pinch of nutmeg
Instructions:
- Warm the milk in a saucepan over low heat.
- Stir in the honey and spices until combined.
- Pour into your favorite mug, wrap yourself in a blanket, and enjoy.
Final Thoughts
The holidays don’t have to leave you frazzled. By prioritizing rest, creating calm moments, and saying “no” to unnecessary stressors, you can find balance and peace amid the chaos. And when in doubt, remember: you deserve to thrive, not just survive.
Here’s to a calm, awesome holiday season. 🎄✨
