The holiday season is a special time of year, often filled with joy and togetherness—but it can also bring a lot of stress. Between rushing to holiday parties or work events, finding the perfect gift, planning outfits, and managing family obligations, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed if you don’t pause to regroup.

That’s why it’s important to also focus on yourself during this season. It’s easy to get caught up in the material side of the holidays, but slowing down, practicing gratitude, and making time for simple self-care can make a big difference. Below are three practical ways I like to nurture my well-being and maintain balance throughout the holidays.

Quiet Time

You don’t need a full spa day to reset—even 10–15 minutes of intentional quiet can make a difference. I like to put my phone away, light a candle, make a warm drink (hot cocoa is my go-to), and either play calming music or sit in silence before bed. These small moments help calm my nervous system and prevent stress from building up.

Let Go of Holiday Pressure

Holiday pressure is real. Perfect outfits, plans, gifts, and traditions can quickly become exhausting. Give yourself permission to do less and simplify where you can—less pressure often leads to more enjoyment. Gift-giving, in particular, can feel stressful, especially financially. Instead of focusing on spending more, consider gifting experiences. A museum visit, a movie, or time at a favorite local spot can feel just as meaningful. You can even write a heartfelt Christmas card and tuck the tickets inside—it’s personal and takes the stress out of finding the “perfect” gift.

Move Your Body

Gentle movement can instantly shift your mood and clear your head. A cozy walk, a day at the beach, light stretching, Pilates, or a yoga class all help release built-up stress and bring you back into the present moment. My favorite way to move during the holidays is going on a hike—nature really does help reset everything. I also try to stay mindful about hydration and balanced meals (even though that’s easier said than done with all the holiday desserts around).

xx jules