At the risk of sounding like a complete Grinch or Scrooge, the holidays can be hard. I just never really understood Blue Christmas until I got older, and now, every year I hit these days where it just makes so much sense. The holiday season can be stressful, chaotic, and even lonely sometimes. It can be a really hard season to get through no matter how much is going on around you. Saying “oh just do some self-care!” can really only go so far, right?

This year I actively tried to avoid having as many blue moments, something which is easier said than done most days. I decided to embrace some therapy principles that helped me acknowledge the uncomfortable feelings and move on from them. But one of the biggest lessons was finding the few things that helped me not only prioritize myself but relaxed my mind enough. To me, the holidays can sometimes feel like being a shark. I just can’t stop swimming. I’m here and there and everywhere all at once. Then by New Year’s Eve I’m one utterly exhausted human.

But as I said, there are a few wellness rituals that I fully embrace during the most chaotic time of the year and maybe they can help you as well.

Stay Active

Working out daily is one of my non-negotiables, but during the winter it can be so much harder to drag myself out of bed. Truth be told I’m always glad I did get out of bed and get moving. Working out helps me kick stress in the butt, make healthier choices throughout the day, and just lift my spirits when days can sometimes feel really difficult. It also helps to maintain a huge part of my routine when there are a million places to go, people to see, and things to get done. It doesn’t even have to be a full workout if that is just not your thing. Go for a brisk walk out in nature or do some light stretching. Anything to get the blood flowing.

Take a Tea Break

I love a good, quiet tea break. It doesn’t even really matter what time of day it is. Sometimes I’ll log on for work and relax before answering emails or taking on an important task. Other times I will make it a part of my bedtime routine where I put my phone down, decompress, and just be. Obviously, the type of tea one chooses is entirely up to them, but my rotation right now is pretty much immunity tea (to protect me from germs and colder weather), after-dinner tea to help with digestion (the holidays do have rich foods!), and sleepytime tea to get a good night’s rest.

Make a List and Check It Twice

There is a lot to do during the holiday season from parties and celebrations to gifts and shopping. It’s not really a surprise I swear by lists since I mention them almost…constantly. But during the holidays the list can be a real godsend. Lists can make sure everything gets done and on time. They can also make sure one stays on budget when it comes to gifting and that no one gets lost in the shuffle. I find that checking my various lists stacking up in my day planner at night helps me relieve stress and anxiety. I can keep track of my budget and figure out what is important to get done the next day.

Keep Up on Vitamins and Supplements

On the daily, we are being pounded with information about the various viruses going around. The seasonal trifecta if you will. Something I really want nothing to do with - knock on wood. During more stressful times of the year and when people are traveling near and far, it’s really easy for the immune system to let down its guard. Keeping up on vitamins, supplements, and nutrients is going to work wonders in keeping one healthy and in good spirits.

Give Back to Others

This one is a really important one to me and has been instilled in me since I was a small child. We were always taught to have gratitude for the things we have and to pass that on to others who may be in need. My family always made sure to drop off turkeys to the food bank, shop for extra toys to donate to kids, and give money whenever we could. This is still something I do personally every holiday season in a variety of ways. It’s all too easy to get carried away and even have selfish moments that you’re just really not proud of. We are all human. But it’s important to give back, spread kindness, and make others have a happy holiday. One thing I will say is to research what you’re giving. Choose organizations or give-back programs that genuinely help people. There are plenty of people out there just trying to look good without making a real difference.

MORE HOLIDAY 2022