5 Ways to De-stress Naturally this Holiday Season

Let’s be honest: every year, the holiday season manages to become more stressful than we ever intended, no matter how hard we try to keep things in check. While the festivities are meant to be joyful and fulfilling, the reality often includes travel chaos, endless shopping lists, and back-to-back gatherings that can leave us feeling drained and overwhelmed.

Fortunately, you don't need a complete lifestyle change to find more peace and happiness during this hectic time. With just a few simple adjustments, you can help ease the stress and find more enjoyment in the season. Here are five natural ways to manage holiday stress:

1. Get Outside (Even When It’s Cold)

Fresh air and movement are fantastic, yet often overlooked, stress relievers. Apart from outdoor walks or exercise, simply being outside and viewing nature can help reduce stress and boost your mood. Additionally, exposure to natural light helps regulate your circadian rhythm, making you feel more awake during the day and promoting better sleep at night.

So, bundle up and invite a friend or family member to join you for a quick stroll after a meal or during your next break. By the time you return, you’ll likely feel recharged and mentally refreshed.

2. Practice Gratitude Daily

When life gets hectic, taking a moment to reflect on what you’re thankful for can create a sense of calm and perspective. One research review shows that regularly expressing gratitude leads to lower stress, improved sleep, and even reduced inflammation.

Try ending each day by writing down three things you’re grateful for. They can be small moments from that day or significant highlights you’ve been reflecting on. For an added twist, invite friends or family to join you in this practice and share how it has impacted you at your next gathering!

3. Simplify Your Schedule

Every year, we promise ourselves we’ll stay organized and on top of things. Yet, overcommitting remains one of the top sources of holiday stress. With social events, work obligations, and family plans piling up, it’s easy to feel like there’s never enough time.

Take a few moments each week to review your calendar and ask yourself, 'What can I skip or simplify?' Focus on the quality of your engagements rather than the quantity. Prioritizing time to rest is essential for truly enjoying all the festivities.

4. Prioritize Rest and Sleep

Amid all the hustle and bustle, sleep often gets pushed aside. However, it is one of your body’s most powerful tools for managing stress. When we don’t get enough rest, cortisol levels rise, making it harder to control emotions and cravings.

Do your best to stick to a consistent bedtime, and consider creating a short bedtime routine, maybe some light stretching or journaling, to signal to your body that it's time to wind down. Even 30 extra minutes of rest in the form of a nap can boost your mood, focus, and decision-making the next day. Sleep is your body’s best way to recover.

5. Support Your Body with Nutrition and Exercise

With all the tempting holiday treats around, maintaining a healthy diet can be more challenging. Enjoy the festive goodies, but strive to keep your meals balanced with enough protein, hydration, and micronutrients. It’s all about finding that balance; don’t let guilt ruin your enjoyment of a delicious sugar cookie!

Combine good nutrition with regular physical activity, whether it's a quick yoga session or a trip to the gym. Mindful movement helps your body process stress hormones while boosting feel-good endorphins, leaving you with a sense of accomplishment by the end of the day.

Making Space for Joy, Not Stress

Ultimately, the holidays will always be a busy time, but there are simple strategies you can try to bring some balance to the chaos. Experiment with one or two of these tips, see what resonates with you, and give yourself the gift of truly enjoying this holiday season.