by Erica Garza
Among popular secular Christmas songs is one that says of the season, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” For some people, though, it’s the most stressful time of the year.
According to a survey conducted by Healthline, sixty-two percent of respondents described their stress level as “very or somewhat” elevated during the holidays. The survey also showed that some of the top causes of “festive stress” were the financial demands of the season, negotiating the interpersonal dynamics of family, and maintaining personal health habits. If the holidays tend to stress you out, practicing self-care may help you stay calm from the minute you put the turkey in the oven to the final countdown to the New Year. Here are six self-care ideas to start practicing now.
1. Stay Active
With all the cooking, cleaning, and shopping you have to do, making it to the gym may be the farthest thing from your mind, but it can be beneficial for overall wellness during the holidays. Exercise releases endorphins, those feel-good chemicals our body produces, which can support general mood and well-being. Staying active is also a good way to maintain healthy routines during the holidays, and it can help release some built-up frustration if that annoying family member shows up this year.
2. Don’t Skimp on Sleep
When you’re thinking about your shopping list (or bank balance) you may find it difficult to fall asleep, but quality sleep is important year-round. Getting a good night’s rest can support your overall feelings of wellness and help you feel refreshed. To ease your mind, make a list before bed of your holiday to-do’s, like presents you need to buy or events you need to prepare for. Be sure you power down electronics and resist another sugary treat or coffee before hitting your pillow so you can encourage better rest. You may even find that aromatherapy or incorporating new elements into your evening routine enhances your sense of calm.
3. Find Time to Laugh
The holidays can sometimes trigger unhappy memories. Balance your mood with laughter. Laughter has been scientifically explored for its effects on stress and relaxation, thanks to the release of endorphins. So watch a funny movie, listen to a hilarious podcast, or spend some time with your funniest friend.
4. Have Sex
Like laughing, sex also releases feel-good chemicals, which may be beneficial for your mood during the holidays. You may also find that you and your partner are not spending as much time catering to each other as you are catering to your other family members and friends. Reconnecting can help you step away from the holiday bustle for a while and remind you of other positive aspects of your life.
5. Get a Massage
All that running around and gift-giving can leave you feeling depleted, but a spa day can help you recharge and unwind. Getting a massage is a great way to step away from the crowds and the kitchen and get back to yourself. You might also consider incorporating CBD into a self-massage treatment as part of your routine. Try Releaf Body Oil or Hemp Balm as part of your relaxation ritual. Think of it as an investment in your holiday well-being.
6. Explore CBD as Part of Your Wellness Routine
CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating appetite, sleep, and mood. Many people incorporate CBD into their routines to support general well-being, and it is available in formats like Papa & Barkley’s CBD Capsules or Drops. If you can’t make it to that massage appointment, you can give yourself a self-massage with Hemp Balm. Finding calm and balance can be a meaningful form of self-care during the holiday season.
Erica Garza is an author and essayist. Her work has appeared in TIME, Health, Glamour, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, The Telegraph and VICE. She lives in Los Angeles.
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