Self-Care During the Holiday Season
The holiday season is often thought of as a time of joy, celebration and togetherness; however, for many people, it can also bring stress, grief, overstimulation, family tension, financial pressure and emotional fatigue. Even positive experiences like gatherings, travel, and gift giving can stretch our bandwidth. That’s why self-care during this time of year isn’t indulgent or optional. It’s an essential practice for emotional wellness and healthy relationships.
When you care for yourself, you’re more grounded, present and connected. You’re better able to navigate the season with clarity and compassion. Here are supportive ways to prioritize self-care during the holidays.
First, honor your emotional reality. Self-care begins with acknowledging how you truly feel, not how you think you should feel. The holidays can bring a mix of emotions, such as excitement, nostalgia, loneliness, joy, grief, frustration or even numbness. These are all valid feelings.
Try checking in with yourself each day and ask yourself:
What am I feeling right now?
What do I need?
Where am I holding stress in my body?
Naming your emotional experience reduces overwhelm and helps you respond with compassion rather than judgment.
Create boundaries that protect your energy. This time of year often includes invitations, requests and expectations. Boundaries act as a safety net, helping you stay connected without becoming depleted.
You might need boundaries around:
Time (leaving an event early)
Emotional labor (not taking on others’ stress)
Finances (setting realistic spending limits)
Family interactions (limiting difficult conversations)
Rest (preserving downtime)
A simple, healthy boundary might sound like: “I’d love to see you, but I can only stay until 8.pm,” or “I’m focusing on a simpler holiday this year, so I’m keeping gifts minimal.”
Boundaries aren’t barriers. They’re bridges to healthier relationships and a calmer nervous system.
Speaking of a regulated nervous system, he holidays can put your body into a near-constant state of activation, such as rushing, planning, socializing, traveling and multitasking. Support your nervous system with slow, grounding practices.
Try:
Deep breathing or box breathing
Gentle stretching
Taking a short walk
Listening to calming music
Setting aside 10 minutes a day for quiet
Even a few minutes of intentional slowing creates a noticeable shift in your emotional resilience.
Keep up with your regular routines. It’s tempting to abandon your normal routines in the holiday rush, but your brain and body rely on predictable habits to feel stable. Maintaining even one or two grounding routines can make a big difference.
Consider protecting:
Your sleep schedule
Movement or exercise
Morning or nightly rituals
Regular meals
Hydration
Therapy appointments
Think of routines as acts of self-care that help anchor you in the midst of seasonal chaos.
Allow joy and ease to be a part of your self-care plan. Taking care of you isn't only about managing stress, but t's also about seeking moments of pleasure, warmth and ease. Joy is a powerful regulator of the nervous system.
Ask yourself:
What feels nourishing right now?
What would bring me a sense of comfort or delight?
Maybe it’s watching your favorite movie, decorating your space, savoring a seasonal drink or connecting with someone who supports you. Small pleasures matter. They refill your emotional cup.
Self-care doesn’t have to be solitary. It’s helpful to stay connected to supportive relationships, and lean on safe, supportive people. Reach out, share your feelings, ask for help or make plans that genuinely nourish you. Emotional connection is one of the most restorative forms of care.
So remember, self-care during the holiday season isn’t about doing more, it’s about honoring your needs, creating space for your emotions and choosing practices that bring steadiness and warmth. When you care for yourself, you move through the season with more presence, compassion, and capacity for connection with the people who matter most.