How to Unwind During the Holidays

Hi friends, and welcome to the final Let’s Look link-up for 2024! Can you believe it’s the last one? Today, we’re chatting about how to unwind during the holidays. Unwinding can be tricky for me this time of year, with all the end-of-year prep at preschool and the usual busyness of the season.

Here in Australia, I’m lucky to enjoy a long summer break after Christmas, and that’s when I can finally get into some proper unwinding. In the meantime, I’ve got a few tips to help make it through the manic holiday season. These tips help me cross the finish line, and I hope you’ll find them helpful, too.

How To Unwind During The Holidays

Do Nothing

I really struggle with this one! But lately, I’ve been learning to give myself permission to do nothing. Just yesterday, after the first of our preschool concert and party days, I came home feeling so incredibly tired. Those out-of-routine days really wipe me out.

I was all set to get stuck into a big reorganisation project that’s been sitting on my to-do list. Normally, I’d push through and get it done, but instead, I decided to give myself a break. I even stood in front of the mirror and said out loud, “You have permission to do nothing.” (haha, thankfully, no one else was home to see me talking to myself!)

I had a shower and tidied up a few things–baby steps because I’m not quite ready to fully embrace doing absolutely nothing. The guilt did creep in a few times, which is crazy because the only one putting pressure on me to stay busy is me. But I have to say that doing nothing felt so good! So it’s my mission that as I go into 2025, I will do this whole a lot more often.

Pamper Yourself

I think that one of the best ways to unwind is to have a pamper session. It doesn’t have to be a full-on spa day. Sometimes, just a relaxing shower is all the pampering I have time for during the busy holiday season. But other times, I love to do things like use a hydrating sheet mask, which means I get to lie down for 20 minutes while the mask does its magic. I also love a manicure or pedicure either at home or a salon. I guess at the end of the day, it’s all about finding what works and making time for a little self-care whenever I can.

Watch A Movie or TV Show

When I want to unwind, I like to pick an old favourite movie or TV show that I know is a guaranteed win. I find it more relaxing knowing that I am going to enjoy my time in front of the TV, and if I doze off, it’s ok too.

Light A Candle

I love gentle, subtle-smelling candles that waft through the house. Cozy candles are wonderful during the cold months. but I still light them during the summer because their soft glow and soothing scents create a calm and peaceful atmosphere no matter the season.

Enjoy a Treat

The holidays are all about indulging a little (it’s a good excuse anyway). I love sitting down with a cup of tea and a piece of something sweet, like a festive biscuit or chocolate. A glass of wine is also a winner, and lately, the hot weather has me craving an Aperol Spritz!

Walk

I find walking the perfect way to unwind during the whole year. Sometimes, I listen to a podcast while I walk other times, I listen to music. Yep, walking is a wonderful way to unwind, and if you’re feeling extra stressed, just walk faster–it really helps!

Stretch

The right side of my neck is my stress indicator. Once that starts to ache, soon the whole right side of my body starts to hurt if I don’t do some stretching on the yoga mat. I don’t follow any stretching guides (although I probably should). I just stretch like a cat until the pain goes away.

These are the tips I use to help me unwind all year long, as well as during the busy holiday season. Thanks so much for stopping by, and I hope you have an amazing day.

Linking up with Shay and Erika