15 Ways to De-Stress During the Holidays

Every year around this time, I start to feel the holiday stress creeping in. I always try my best to plan ahead, but procrastination runs deep in my blood. This year, I promised myself I’d fight the urge to stress and pursue peace, instead. If you’re a holiday stresser too, here are 15 ultra-practical ways to de-stress.

Check Out Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy has become a well-known, all-natural means of relaxation, healing and stress relief. If you’ve yet to try it, now is the perfect time. Before you dive in, take some time to read our guide to all things aromatherapy. The essential oils rundown will help you decide which scents and mixtures might work best for you.

Make Your Own Essential Oils

After you’ve schooled yourself on essential oils and selected some promising scents, try your hand at making them.

Make It: DIY Essential Oils

Burn Aromatherapy Bundles

While you’re at it, make some aromatherapy bundles to throw in the fire. Double the aromatherapy means double the stress relief, right?

Make Your Own Exfoliating Scrub

Just need a 30-second refresh? These three DIY scrubs boast tons of remedial qualities that are sure to revitalize you and your skin.

Make It: 3 DIY Exfoliating Scrubs

Take a Bath (with a Killer Bath Bomb)

OK, maybe you’re thinking more like a 30-minute refresh? Add an all-natural bath bomb to a hot bath to help release tension after a long day.

Try a DIY Facial Mask

We all know stress can cause major breakouts. Show your troubled skin some love with this all-natural facial mask. Make it yourself with raw honey, cinnamon powder and nutmeg powder.

Make It: Honey-Cinnamon-Nutmeg Facial Mask

Revitalize Your Hands

Have endless tasks and chilly temperatures taken a toll on your hands? Give your hands a break, and heal those nagging cracks with our DIY herbal lotion bars.

Make It: DIY Herbal Lotion Bars

Make Your Office Space Happier

Do you spend working hours stressing about the holiday activities that await at home? Try adjusting your office environment to make it cheery and homey. If a desktop Christmas tree fills you with joy, by all means, go for it.

Try These Desk Yoga Stretches

Maybe work is the root of your holiday stress. If that’s the case, try some of these yoga stretches at your desk.

Fuel Up With Energy Bites

Holiday shopping inevitably makes my husband hangry. The solution that works every time? Taking energy-packed snacks on all our shopping runs. Try it, seriously!

Let Dinner Be Lazy

Throughout the holiday season, it’s just not possible to make time for everything, and sometimes the thing that has to go is the hour of dinner prep. Reduce stress by humbly accepting this and trying one of our super-simple dinner ideas.

Make These: 12 Easy + Delicious Meals to Make When You Don't Feel Like Cooking

Rest

I probably don’t need to tell you this one, yet it’s arguably the most important item on the list. Rest! Rest your body, soul and mind. Spend peaceful, thoughtful time in silence. Not only will rest benefit you, but it will benefit the ones closest to you, as well.

Exercise

Spending five hours wrapping gifts can give you a backache, and spending three hours baking cookies can make your feet hurt. Don’t neglect your body just because you’re busy with holiday to-dos. Take time to exercise. Get outside, and enjoy the scents and sights of the season.

Focus on Quality Time

While your loved ones will undoubtedly appreciate material gifts, they’d probably appreciate spending quality time with you just as much. Try to remember this as you approach your shopping list. Think about gifting your time and love to family and friends.

Give Back

When the stress of the holidays completely overwhelms you, the best way to refocus and ground yourself is to look outside yourself. Seek opportunities to volunteer and help neighbors in need. Looking for ideas? Check out our helpful list.