The holidays can be filled with joy and jubilee, but they’re also known for causing increased stress levels. That’s why it’s especially important to prioritize self-care: Taking intentional time for yourself can help you stay grounded and prevent burnout.
“Self-care is one of the most important things we can do for our mental and physical health, especially during this time of year when things can feel hectic,” says Jason Kittle, massage therapist at LifeSpa in Savage, Minn. “When we take care of our own needs, we can recharge, refocus, and remember what’s most important. I know when I take care of myself, I’m also better equipped to take care of others when gathering with friends and family for festivities.”
Many often associate “self-care” with pampering, but the definition is much broader; it also encompasses other activities that support mind and body well-being. “It’s often the simple daily habits that make the biggest difference,” says Chrysta Bowe, hairstylist at LifeSpa in Brookfield, Wis. “At its core, self-care is about creating space for yourself to show up as the best version of you — for both you and people you love.”
To inspire you to take care of yourself this holiday season, we asked Kittle, Bowe, and Izah Nguyen, hairstylist at LifeSpa in Oakbrook, Ill., to share the strategies they feel make the biggest difference.
1. Stay grounded in your everyday healthy-living habits.
It can be tempting to skimp on sleep or skip your workout when your schedule is packed, but Bowe encourages sticking to your healthy habits no matter what the day brings so you can continue to feel and function well.
“Getting enough sleep and moving my body every day — whether it’s a full workout or just a gentle stretch — is essential to my well-being,” says Bowe. “I also make a point to take small pauses throughout the day to slow down and check in with myself. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. Sometimes it’s stepping away from the noise to take a few deep breaths, savoring my morning coffee without multitasking, or reading a chapter of a self-help book. “Those moments of mindfulness,” she adds, “make my time with family and friends feel even more meaningful.”
2. Give yourself permission to simplify.
When you’re feeling overwhelmed, look for ways to streamline your to-do list so you can focus on what’s most meaningful. “You don’t have to do everything,” says Bowe. “The holidays are meant to be enjoyed, not just managed. Sometimes that means slowing down, letting go of perfection, and carving out time for things that make you feel good.”
Kittle often reminds clients that they can say “no” to things when they express feeling overwhelmed. “You don’t have to do everything people ask of you during the holiday season,” he says. “Focus on the memories you want to have in five to 10 years instead of trying to do everything now.”
The best advice Nguyen has ever received about the holidays is to simply “do what you can.” “Letting go of the pressure to live up to everyone else’s expectations has been freeing,” says Nguyen. “What matters is creating memories and showing up with love. For me, self-care isn’t about perfection — it’s about giving myself grace, staying consistent, and remembering that taking care of myself is one of the most powerful ways I can care for others.”
3. Take a moment to pause.
Even on the busiest days, a peaceful moment can make all the difference. “In moments of stress or overwhelm, I take a couple of minutes to pause and breathe,” says Kittle. “I intentionally take 11 slow, controlled breaths to bring me back to equilibrium. During this breathing time, I remember the blessings I have. I focus on what I can control — not what I can’t.”
Bowe shares that her pause comes in the form of little rituals that feel indulgent, like a long “everything shower” using all her favorite products. “I also love to put on my favorite Ultimate Smooth hair mask from Wella and soak in the bathtub with a favorite book, instead of taking on a task that can honestly wait,” she says. “These moments of intentional care help me reset and allow me to show up with more energy, patience, and joy throughout the season.” (Read more: “5 Steps for an At-Home Spa Day.”)
4. Focus on gratitude.
‘Tis the season for practicing gratitude, which is proven to lift spirits and aid in developing a more positive outlook. Gratitude often shines during the holidays, but this is a wonderful practice to bring into the new year and beyond.
“In the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, I add a gratitude practice to my morning routine,” Bowe says. “Each day, I think of one thing I’m grateful for, write it on a Post-it note, and stick it on my mirror. Then, before Christmas — when the chaos really begins — I take a moment to read them all and reflect on why I’m grateful for each one. It always brings a smile to my face and warmth to my heart.”
Kittle also takes time for gratitude. “Find a few minutes each day to think of what you’re grateful for and say it aloud,” he adds. “I find that when I speak aloud my gratitudes, hearing them reinforces my feelings of gratefulness. This directs your mind and body to focus on what you have and what’s going right instead of falling into the trap of thinking about what you lack or what’s going wrong.”
5. Try not to compare your experience to others.
You are a unique individual on your own journey. Remember this to avoid falling down any comparison rabbit holes — and if you need to, give yourself permission to take a social media break.
“The holiday season can often feel stressful when we’re constantly looking at social media and seeing what others are doing,” says Nguyen. “We sometimes feel a reflex to compare ourselves to others, and it can leave us feeling like we’re not enough or our experience isn’t enough.
“Sometimes self-care for me looks like taking a social media break to be more present with myself and my experiences,” she continues. “When at a gathering or party, disconnect from technology and be in the moment. When you’re connected with like-minded people, it recharges and calms you. It’s amazing how quickly you realize you’re having the best time being present.”
6. Hit the reset button with a feel-good spa or salon appointment.
A spa or salon service can help you enjoy some well-deserved pampering or targeted relaxation support. “My go-to during the holidays is a custom massage at the LifeSpa,” says Kittle. “Massage helps relieve stress and muscle tension. Dedicating that time for yourself can also help you slow down and enjoy the moment. Depending on your needs, you can add CBD for extra stress-relief and relaxation benefits, hot stones for increasing circulation and inflammation, or specify areas that need extra attention like your head or feet.”
No matter what your holiday season looks like, it’s important to make time to care for yourself, whether that’s simply a moment of peace or a full day of pampering.
(LifeSpa has more than 165 locations across the United States and Canada and offers a wide range of relaxing services for hair, skin, nails, and body. You can easily book your appointment in the Life Time app.)
