The time between Thanksgiving (or, let’s be honest, Halloween) and the New Year’s celebrations often feels like a whirlwind of activity. Between family dinners, work parties, neighborhood gatherings, baking marathons, finding the perfect gifts, decking the halls, and other cherished traditions, the entire season tends to all blur together in a flurry of to-do lists, endless obligations, and “can you believe it’s already…” deadlines. If you’re exhausted just thinking about it all, we feel you! 

While this season is rich with joy and connection, it’s also one of the most demanding times of the year. And for some reason, every year, it seems like a curveball or two is thrown in for good measure. 

All this mental and physical chaos makes it more important than ever to carve out moments for self-care for the holidays. Even a few quiet minutes for yourself can make all the difference in navigating the frenzy with a sense of calm and balance. Ahhh…

12 Simple Self-Care for the Holiday Options to Find Peace Every Day

Fortunately, you don’t have to take a lot of time to give yourself a little extra TLC to get through the most demanding times. Here are 12 of our favorite options:

1. Morning Gratitude – Start your day by naming three (or more) things you’re grateful for. Gratitude can boost mood and set a positive tone. If you have an extra moment or two, also consider what you’re looking forward to or excited about. Anticipation of positive events or outcomes is another simple way to lift your mood.
2. Breathe Deeply – Take five long, slow, deep breaths to relax and reduce stress any time, day or night. It’s a quick and effective way to calm your mind and your body.
3. Step Outside – Spend one to five minutes soaking in fresh air and natural light, which can lift your spirits and improve your energy. Personally, I like to start every morning outside with a few minutes to welcome in the day and then at night, look up at the sky to appreciate the beauty. 
4. Mini-Stretch Session – Stretch your arms, neck, and back to release tension and improve flexibility. This is especially helpful if you’ve been sitting a lot, perhaps shopping online, putting together the holiday menu, or catching up on work before taking some cherished time off over the holidays.
5. Sip Something Warm – Enjoy a calming tea, coffee, or warm lemon water mindfully. It’s both soothing and hydrating for the body and mind.
6. Write It Out – Jot down a quick thought, feeling, or intention in a journal to clear your mind or focus on goals. Once it’s on paper, your mind can often more fully relax. 
7. Pause for Music – Listen to your favorite songs or instrumental tunes to reset and recharge. They can provide a backdrop of tranquility as you’re going through other tasks. You might select holiday music, but only if that’s what you want to listen to. Choose your own playlist (or genre) and enjoy!
8. Light a Candle – Choose a seasonal scent to create a cozy, calming atmosphere. You may want to use the flickering candlelight for a relaxing meditation. 
9. Move Gently – Do a quick yoga pose or two, a five- to ten-minute walk, or some light strength exercises (e.g., bodyweight squats, planks, pushups, kettlebell swings) to nurture your body and improve circulation.
10. Screen-Free Moment – Put away your devices and spend 10 minutes in quiet reflection. Look at nature or enjoy a calming activity like reading to truly relax and let go.
11. Enjoy a Healthy Snack – Savor something nourishing: a handful of nuts, some fresh sliced fruit, or a protein-packed smoothie are all great options to fuel your body and mind. And none will cause your energy to crash shortly after, unlike a sugary treat.
12. Reflect Before Bed – End the day by recalling one (or more!) joyful moment. Then, visualize a restful night ahead, knowing you took care of your body and mind today. A quiet mind can help you sleep better, and quality sleep is one of the best things to reduce stress.

Self-Care for the Holidays Takeaways

The holiday season is meant to be a time of joy, connection, and celebration. Still, it can easily become overwhelming with so much to do, so many places to be, and a few inevitable unexpected curveballs thrown your way. By weaving in small moments of self-care each day, you can find the balance you need to fully enjoy the season. These simple practices don’t just offer peace—they support your overall well-being, helping you stay healthy, energized, and ready to make the most of this special season.

Remember, self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential. So, whether you take a moment to stretch, sip, breathe, or reflect, you’re giving yourself the gift of calm and resilience that will carry you far beyond the holiday hustle. After all, when you take care of yourself, you’re better able to care for those you love.