The holiday season is a beautiful time of year, but let’s get real—it can also be incredibly overwhelming. December often feels like an endurance test of endless to-do lists, family gatherings, and emotional gymnastics. But instead of getting swept up in the chaos, what if you could navigate the holidays with more grace and less stress?
5 Ways to Self-Care in December
I’m sharing five practical strategies to help you stay grounded, energized, and actually enjoy the season—because self-care isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.
1. Breathe Your Way to Calm
Breathing might seem like something you do automatically (and you’re right), but conscious breathing is a powerful tool most of us completely underestimate. Our breath is intimately connected to our nervous system, acting like a remote control for our stress levels.
Box Breathing Technique
When tension starts to build—whether you’re stuck in holiday traffic, dealing with family drama, or feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list—this technique is your rescue remedy:
- Inhale deeply for four counts, feeling your lungs expand
- Hold that breath for four counts, creating a moment of suspension
- Exhale slowly for four counts, releasing tension
- Hold empty for four counts, finding stillness
Repeat this cycle 3-5 times. It’s like hitting a reset button for your entire nervous system. The beauty of this technique is its simplicity—you can do it anywhere. Waiting in line at the store? Breathe. Feeling anxious before a family dinner? Breathe. Stuck in holiday traffic? You guessed it—breathe.
2. Movement Matters (But Keep It Simple)
Movement isn’t about punishing your body with intense workouts or trying to offset holiday treats. It’s about creating space, releasing tension, and reconnecting with yourself.
Quick Movement Practices
- Morning Ritual: Start your day with gentle shoulder rolls to release nighttime tension, and try a standing forward fold to wake up your body and calm your mind. These movements take less than five minutes but can dramatically shift your energy.
- Evening Unwind: As the day winds down, sink into child’s pose. This gentle stretch releases tension in your back and helps calm your mind. Alternatively, try legs-up-the-wall pose, which is like a mini-vacation for your body, helping to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
The key is consistency, not intensity. Even five minutes of mindful movement (try it in the pool) can be transformative.
3. Mastering the Art of “No”
Let’s talk about boundaries—the ultimate act of self-love. The holidays can turn into a marathon of obligations, and saying yes to everything is a fast track to burnout.
Here’s a radical idea: You don’t have to do everything. The holidays aren’t about proving how much you can handle—they’re about connection and joy.
Before saying yes to another commitment, create a small pause. Take a breath and ask yourself: “Will this genuinely add to my happiness?” If the answer is anything less than an enthusiastic “yes,” it’s okay to decline.
Saying no doesn’t make you selfish—it makes you intentional. It means you’re choosing to protect your energy, your time, and your peace. Practice a kind but firm response: “Thank you for thinking of me, but I won’t be able to make it this time.”
4. Cultivate Gratitude
Stress can blind us to the magic around us. In the whirlwind of holiday preparations, we often forget to pause and appreciate the moment.
Each day, take just two minutes to write down three things that brought you joy or peace. They can be incredibly simple:
- The way morning light caught your coffee steam
- A text from a friend that made you smile
- The warmth of your favourite sweater
- A moment of unexpected quiet
This isn’t about forced positivity, it’s about training your brain to notice the good, even when things feel chaotic. Over time, this practice can completely rewire how you experience the world.
5. Prioritize Real Rest
The holidays don’t have to drain you; in fact, they shouldn’t.
That pose I mentioned above, legs-up-the-wall pose, is a perfect soothing tonic for restlessness, anxiety, and from standing too long. Spend 5-10 minutes with your legs elevated—using a wall or piece of furniture for support—allowing gravity to do the work of moving blood flow and releasing tension. If you can, add a short guided meditation or yoga nidra for extra restoration.
Consider this: rest isn’t laziness—it’s how you recharge. And when you put it that way, it’s actually just as productive as constant doing. When you allow yourself to truly relax, you’re not wasting time, you’re actually investing in your mental and physical well-being.
The Bottom Line
Self-care isn’t about perfection, it’s about dedicating yourself to and recognizing the power in small, intentional moments that help you stay centred. This holiday season, give yourself permission to slow down, breathe deeply, and find joy in the simple things.
Want to practice with me and really work on your self-care this month? Find some of my easy-going and impactful sessions inside Wavemakers and discover more about me on my website.
