The holiday season is often painted as a time of joy and wonder—but let’s face it, it can also be overwhelming. Between packed schedules, financial stress, and social obligations, it’s no wonder holiday self-care feels like the shiny present we hope to find under the tree but never quite unwrap.
This year, let’s change that. Holiday self-care isn’t just about spa days or scented candles (though they can help!); it’s about setting boundaries and taking deliberate actions to protect your well-being. Think of it as the best gift you can give yourself—and by extension, those around you.
What is Holiday Self-Care?
Holiday self-care is the practice of prioritizing your mental, emotional, and physical health during one of the most stressful times of the year. It’s not just about surviving the holidays—it’s about thriving.
Your holiday self-care toolkit could include anything from a gratitude journal to a calming tea or even a Truvaga device to help your nervous system find balance. But at its core, holiday self-care is about taking charge of your well-being in the face of the season’s unique challenges.
Why Holiday Self-Care is Important
The holidays bring their own “greatest hits” of stressors. Whether it’s the financial strain of gift-giving, the social pressure of endless gatherings, or the loneliness that sometimes accompanies the season, this time of year can take a toll on your mental health.
Research shows that holiday stress can contribute to conditions like seasonal affective disorder (SAD), holiday depression, and heightened anxiousness. These aren’t just holiday buzzwords—they’re real, scientifically recognized challenges.[1] And without proactive self-care, the season of joy can quickly become a season of burnout.
Holiday self-care gives you the tools to counteract these stressors, allowing you to embrace the season on your own terms.
Common Holiday Triggers
Understanding the triggers behind holiday stress can help you prepare for them. Here are a few big ones:
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Reduced daylight and insufficient vitamin D can lead to fatigue, sadness, and loss of interest in activities. Around 5% of people experience SAD as a constant daily challenge.[2]
- Holiday Trauma: For some, the season magnifies painful memories, especially after a loss or personal tragedy.[3]
- Social Anxiousness: Holiday gatherings, from office parties to family dinners, can be daunting, especially for those who struggle with social anxiousness.
These stressors often overlap, creating a perfect storm of mental and emotional strain. But by addressing them with holiday self-care, you can safeguard your well-being.
Setting Boundaries: The Foundation of Holiday Self-Care
- Skip events that feel draining or simply attend for a shorter time.
- Politely request that sensitive topics like politics remain off-limits during family gatherings.
- Set financial limits for gift-giving—and stick to them.[6]
- Limit time spent with individuals who cause stress or anxious thoughts.
- Use vacation time to actually rest and recharge, avoiding work tasks altogether.
Additional Self-Care Hacks for the Holiday Season
Your holiday self-care kit is more than just a collection of items—it’s a mindset. Here are some ideas to include:
- Make Time for You: Break up your to-do list with moments of joy, like grabbing a coffee at your favorite café or squeezing in a yoga class.[7]
- Choose Comfort Over Perfection: Swap high-maintenance decorations for cozy ones, like soft blankets or candles with warm holiday scents.[8]
- Incorporate Wellness Technology: Devices like Truvaga can help you tap into your body’s natural calm by stimulating the vagus nerve in quick, 2-minute sessions. Portable and easy to use, they’re a perfect addition to your self-care toolkit.
- Focus on What Matters: Let go of unnecessary obligations like sending hundreds of holiday cards or making elaborate dishes for every event.[9]
By building a holiday self-care kit tailored to your needs, you’ll feel more equipped to navigate the season’s challenges.
Conclusion
The holidays don’t have to leave you feeling frazzled and drained. By embracing holiday self-care—especially setting boundaries—you can protect your mental health, find moments of joy, and show up as the best version of yourself for those you care about.
This year, give yourself the gift of balance, peace, and well-being. It’s a gift that keeps on giving, long after the decorations come down.
Here’s to a stress-free, healthy holiday season—one you truly deserve.
Sources
[1] Cleveland Clinic, How To Handle Holiday Depression When It Hits Home, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/holiday-depression-and-stress
[2] Cleveland Clinic, Seasonal Depression (Seasonal Affective Disorder), https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9293-seasonal-depression
[3] Cleveland Clinic, How To Handle Holiday Depression When It Hits Home, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/holiday-depression-and-stress
[4] Psychology Today, Sharon Martin, DSW, LCSW, Healthy Holiday Boundaries, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/conquering-codependency/202112/healthy-holiday-boundaries
[5] Psychology Today, Sharon Martin, DSW, LCSW, Healthy Holiday Boundaries, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/conquering-codependency/202112/healthy-holiday-boundaries
[6] Truvaga.com, The Power of Gratitude: Unlocking Happiness Through Simple Daily Practices,
https://www.truvaga.com/blog/attitude-of-gratitude-unlocking-happiness-through-simple-daily-practices/
[7] Huffpost, Lorraine Roe, Elf Care And Self Care: We Can Do Both This Holiday, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/elf-care-and-self-care-we_b_391973
[8] National Alliance on Mental Health, By Kevin Connors, M.S., MFT, and Kathryn Hamel, Ph.D, How to Prioritize Self-Care During the Holidays, https://www.nami.org/relationships/how-to-prioritize-self-care-during-the-holidays/
[9] Truvaga.com, Vagus Nerve Science, https://www.truvaga.com/vagus-nerve-science/
