Have a Stress-Free Holiday Season with these Practical Tips
The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and togetherness, but it can also bring along stress and overwhelming feelings. With packed schedules, family gatherings, shopping lists, and end-of-year deadlines, it’s easy to feel like the holidays are more chaotic than cheerful. This year, make a conscious effort to reduce holiday stress and truly enjoy the season. From planning and prioritizing to incorporating natural stress relievers like ashwagandha and adaptogenic herbs, we want to provide actionable steps to help you maintain calm, peace, and joy during the holidays.
#1 - Start with Realistic Expectations
One of the biggest sources of holiday stress is trying to make everything perfect. The “perfect” holiday often involves overcommitting, overspending, and overextending yourself. This year, avoid all that by setting realistic expectations for yourself and others before things get out of hand. Understand that it’s okay if not everything goes as planned, and be mindful of the traditions or activities that genuinely matter to you and your loved ones.
What you can do: Sit down with family or close friends at the start of the holiday season and discuss what activities and traditions are truly important to everyone. This can help you avoid unnecessary stress over minor details and focus on what brings the most joy.
#2 - Make a Plan and Set Priorities
The holidays come with a long list of to-dos: gift shopping, decorating, meal planning, travel arrangements, and more. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, break down these tasks and prioritize them. Planning early helps prevent last-minute panic and allows you to focus on what’s truly important.
What you can do: Create a holiday checklist and timeline. For example, set specific dates for gift shopping, decorating, and meal prep. Mark your calendar for events, but leave room for flexibility. Prioritize your tasks, starting with those that are most meaningful to you, and don’t be afraid to delegate when possible.
#3 - Stick to a Budget
Financial stress is a common issue during the holiday season. Setting a budget helps you manage expenses without the guilt or worry of overspending. Decide on an overall holiday budget, including gifts, food, travel, and decorations, and stick to it. Remember, thoughtful gifts and shared experiences are often more valuable than expensive items.
What you can do: Make a gift list with budget-friendly ideas for each person. Look for ways to personalize gifts that show care and thoughtfulness, like homemade treats or framed photos. Stick to a budget-friendly holiday meal plan by planning potlucks or simple gatherings. If you have a large circle of friends or family who get together to exchange gifts, consider organizing a name drawing. This way, each person only buys one gift for the person they draw.
#4 - Make Time for Self-Care
With a packed schedule, self-care often gets pushed aside, but taking care of yourself is crucial for managing stress. Schedule time for relaxation, rest, and activities that recharge you, whether it’s reading a book, taking a walk, or practicing yoga.
What you can do: Set aside at least 15–20 minutes a day for “me-time.” To help you stick to the routine, make it the same time each day. This could be as simple as practicing a short meditation, going for a quiet walk, or indulging in a relaxing bath. Making self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine can have a big impact on reducing holiday stress.
#5 - Practice Mindfulness and Deep Breathing Techniques
When stress levels rise, mindfulness can help you stay grounded and focused. Practicing mindfulness, even for a few minutes each day, can reduce anxiety and improve mental clarity. Deep breathing techniques, like diaphragmatic breathing, can quickly reduce stress by activating the body’s relaxation response.
What you can do: Try a simple mindfulness exercise: Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and focus on your surroundings, emotions, and sensations without judgment. Or, practice deep breathing by inhaling deeply for a count of four, holding for four, and exhaling slowly for four. Incorporate this technique into your day whenever you need a calming reset.
#6 - Limit Your Time on Social Media
Social media can be a major source of holiday stress, as it often fuels comparisons and unrealistic expectations. Limiting your time on social media helps you stay present and prevents the pressure to “keep up” with others.
What you can do: Set boundaries for your social media use during the holidays. Consider using apps or settings to limit screen time, or designate specific times to check social media, such as once in the morning and once in the evening. Focus on spending more time connecting in person or through phone calls rather than online.
#7 - Stay Active with Regular Exercise
Physical activity is one of the best natural ways to relieve stress. Exercise releases endorphins, improves mood, and helps manage anxiety. Regular exercise during the holidays can also counteract any seasonal indulgences and keep you feeling balanced and healthy.
What you can do: Find simple ways to stay active, even if it’s just a brisk walk or a quick at-home workout. Yoga, stretching, or even a dance session with holiday music can be fun ways to keep moving. Aim for 20–30 minutes of activity at least a few times a week to maintain a positive mindset.
#8 - Use Adaptogenic Herbs for Natural Stress Relief
Adaptogenic herbs, like ashwagandha, are known for their ability to help the body manage stress naturally. Adaptogens work by supporting your adrenal system, helping to regulate hormones and increase resilience to stress. Including adaptogens in your wellness routine can provide powerful support during the holiday season.
Bold Botanica’s Ashwagandha Capsules and Bold Adapt Supreme:
Bold Botanica’s Ashwagandha capsules offer a potent, organic source of ashwagandha, a renowned adaptogen for stress relief, energy, and balance. Known for its calming effects, ashwagandha helps regulate cortisol levels, making it easier to manage stress without feeling drained.
Bold Adapt Supreme is another excellent choice—a liquid spagyric extract that combines multiple adaptogenic herbs to enhance stress resilience and mental clarity. This unique blend can provide comprehensive support to help you stay calm, focused, and energized throughout the holiday season.
What you can do: Take Bold Ashwagandha capsules daily to support stress management, especially during busy days. If you prefer a liquid formula, try Bold Adapt Supreme as a daily addition to your routine for a natural, balanced approach to stress relief.
#9 - Simplify Gift-Giving
Gift-giving can often be a source of stress, especially if you’re trying to find the perfect present for everyone. Simplifying your approach can help reduce this stress. Focus on thoughtful, meaningful gifts rather than expensive ones, and consider experiences or donations to causes that are meaningful.
What you can do: Use the “something they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read” rule to keep gift-giving simple and meaningful. Alternatively, make homemade gifts, or arrange a family gift exchange to reduce the number of gifts you need to buy.
#10 - Prioritize Healthy Eating and Hydration
Holiday foods are often indulgent, which is perfectly okay in moderation. However, overindulgence can lead to energy crashes and affect your mood. Balance festive treats with nutritious, balanced meals, and stay hydrated to keep your energy and stress levels in check.
What you can do: Try to include nutrient-rich foods in your meals, like leafy greens, whole grains, and lean proteins. Bring a water bottle with you to holiday gatherings to remind yourself to stay hydrated, and consider limiting sugary and highly processed foods to keep your energy steady.
#11 - Practice Saying “No”
One of the best ways to reduce holiday stress is by learning to say no. It’s easy to feel obligated to attend every event or fulfill every request, but spreading yourself too thin can lead to burnout. Prioritize what’s most meaningful to you, and don’t be afraid to decline invitations or requests.
What you can do: Set boundaries by politely declining events or activities that don’t align with your priorities. Focus on spending your energy on events or activities that bring you joy and allow you to recharge.
#12 - Create a Calm and Cozy Environment
Creating a relaxing, cozy atmosphere in your home can help you unwind and feel at ease during the holidays. Use soft lighting, soothing scents, and comforting decorations to create a space that feels peaceful and joyful.
What you can do: Light candles, play soft holiday music, and incorporate calming essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, or pine. Add cozy blankets, soft lighting, and natural decorations like greenery or dried citrus to create a warm and relaxing space to recharge.
#13 - Reflect on the Meaning of the Season
Finally, take time to reflect on what the holiday season means to you personally. Whether it’s connecting with loved ones, practicing gratitude, or giving back to the community, centering on what truly matters can help you let go of stress and embrace the spirit of the season.
What you can do: Set aside time for gratitude, whether it’s through journaling, meditation, or simply taking a quiet moment to appreciate the positive aspects of your life. Consider volunteering or giving back in some way, as acts of kindness can often provide a greater sense of fulfillment and joy.
The holiday season can be one of the most joyful times of the year, but it’s easy to get caught up in stress and busy schedules. By setting realistic expectations, planning ahead, and practicing self-care, you can reduce holiday stress and focus on what truly matters. Incorporate adaptogenic support, like Bold Botanica’s Ashwagandha capsules or Bold Adapt Supreme liquid, to help manage stress naturally and maintain your calm. With these strategies, you’ll be ready to enjoy a peaceful, meaningful, and joyful holiday season.
This holiday season, let go of perfection, embrace mindfulness, and prioritize the things that bring you and your loved ones happiness! A calm, stress-free holiday is truly the best gift you can give yourself.
Jana Taylor is an Iowa native and seasoned copy writer, content creator and designer, specializing in marketing and graphic design since 2015. In her spare time, she volunteers in her community, loves to garden and is an avid travel enthusiast.