The holidays are supposed to be the season of joy but sometimes they feel more like the season of mild panic. Between shopping, traveling, hosting, cooking, and trying to pretend that you are totally fine when you are actually running on caffeine and hope, things can get overwhelming fast. The good news is that there are plenty of simple ways to keep your stress levels in check so you can actually enjoy the festivities instead of surviving them on pure adrenaline.
Take Short Breaks Before You Break Down
When you feel like your to do list is about to sprout legs and chase you around the house, step away for a few minutes. A quick walk, a cup of tea, or even sitting in silence for sixty whole seconds can reset your nervous system. Think of it as giving yourself the same patience you give flaky pie crust.
Keep Your Routine as Realistic as Possible
You do not need to stick to your routine perfectly. Holidays are chaos. But keeping a few familiar habits can make a huge difference. Drink water regularly, get some movement in, and go to bed before your eyeballs start twitching. Your future self will thank you.
Ask for Help Without Apologizing
You are not required to single handedly cook, clean, decorate, host, shop, wrap gifts, and maintain your sanity. You are allowed to ask for help without giving a speech about why you deserve it. Delegating is not weakness. It is efficiency with good boundaries.
Treat Yourself to a Quiet Hour with a Massage
If there is one time of year when your shoulders feel like bricks and your nervous system feels like it is being powered by static electricity, it is definitely the holiday season. This is a perfect time to book a massage at my small independent massage studio here in Manhattan Beach. Even one session can calm that stressed out feeling, loosen up tight muscles, and help you reset so you can show up as an actual human being rather than a tired shell wrapped in tinsel.
Create a Yes List and a No List
Your Yes List is things that genuinely bring you joy. Your No List is the stuff you are only doing because you feel obligated. Say yes to cozy nights, good food, and people who make you laugh. Say no to anything that drains you faster than your phone on one percent.
Lower the Bar and Enjoy the Season
A perfectly decorated home and a flawlessly curated holiday plan are lovely but not required. The holidays are not meant to be a performance. Give yourself permission to keep things simple and imperfect. The memories you make will matter far more than whether everything looked Instagram ready.
Take It One Moment at a Time
You do not have to conquer the whole season in one go. Just focus on doing the next doable thing and breathe through the rest. With a little intention, a little self care, and maybe a holiday season massage in Manhattan Beach, you can make this time of year feel good again.
