20 Relaxing Self Care Ideas For The Holiday Season

Nov 10

For some, the holidays can be a stressful time. This time of year can begin to highlight areas of your life that bring up tough feelings. It is important to take time to relax and care for ourselves, even during the season of giving. Give to yourself as well.

Here are some of my favorite relaxing self-care ideas for the holiday season. To help you unwind, center yourself, and even get into the holiday spirit. Best of all, most of these ideas you can do with things you have around the house.

1. Take A Personality Test

These are always fun. Getting to know yourself is something that many of us neglect, but can actually be fun and help to improve your life. The better you understand yourself, the easier it will be to build off your strengths and be aware of your weaknesses.

Either way, they are a fun way to relax and reflect. I personally love 16personatlies, but there are plenty of others out there.

2. Introspective Journal Prompts

Self-discovery journal prompts are a great way to unwind and spend time getting to know yourself. I find that getting my thoughts down on paper helps me organize, release, and relieve any tension caused by my thoughts.

Self-discovery journal prompts help you uncover certain things about yourself that you have been struggling to dig up or never considered.

If that interests you, head on over to my blog post, 20 Journal Prompts To Kick Start Your Personal Development.

3. Skincare

This one is a little bit basic and probably something you should be doing every day, BUT hear me out.

I love to take my skincare to the next level on self-care days. I like to do things that take more time, like face masks and trying other products and tools. I might even do a hair mask and paint my nails too.

Basically, just hop into a cozy rob or sweat set and pamper yourself.

4. Read A Book With A Cup of Tea

Snuggling up with a good book and warm cup of tea hits differently this time of year. Getting lost inside the pages of a good book can be so calming and enjoyable.

5. Bake Your Favorite Holiday Dessert

You know that one dessert you think of every time the Christmas decor hits stores? The one your mom or grandma used to make every year and just gets you into the holiday spirit? Yeah, make that. Call up your mom, granny, or Pinterest, turn on some holiday tunes, and get baking.

girl reading in cozy space with cats image

6. Watch Holiday Classics

After baking your holiday treat, you can enjoy them while watching some of your favorite holiday classics. Sometimes you just need some time snuggled up on the couch. Stop worrying about what you should be doing. Let yourself enjoy the moment.

Everything else is a tomorrow you problem.

7. Make a Gingerbread House

I officially saw the gingerbread house kits at the store the other day, and I’m determined to make one this year. It is such a fun activity to just get lost in and enjoy the holiday vibes, whether you are alone or with friends and family.

If you’re feeling really ambitious, you could make the whole house from scratch!

8. Take A Bath With A Bath Bomb

We’re back to the pampering. You could find holiday scented bath bombs and treat yourself to a long hot bath. You could even combine this with some of the other ideas and make it a full pamper day, or bring a book and tea to the bath with you.

9. Do A Hair Mask And Watch Your Favorite Show

Look up hair mask recipes on Pinterest, whip it up, and apply it while you watch your favorite show. I love re-watching episodes of Friends or New Girl. What are some of your favorites?

10. Try A New Hobby

Think of all the things you want to do but never seem to have time for, pick one of those, and get started!

11. Do A Puzzle

Once I start a puzzle, it can be difficult to stop. Puzzles are so relaxing and a great way to clear your mind.

12. Meditate

I struggle with being consistent, but I do find it helps tremendously.

13. Daydream About Your Dream Life

Play around with writing down how your dream life looks, ask yourself, what would a day in that life look like? You could even go as far as to write down ways you can make that dream life a reality and write down the things that you think are holding you back.

14. FaceTime Someone You Love

Missing your loved ones? Surprise them with a FaceTime call. I feel like even though we can just call up our loved ones and chat, we don’t do it often enough. We are always too busy.

Calling someone you love will probably make their day and make you feel lighter and happier.

15. Make Apple Cider

Apple cider makes any day feel festive. It’s one of my favorite holiday drinks!

16. Stretching And Yoga

Connecting to your body is one of my favorite ways to relax and release any built-up tension, literally!

17. Decorate Sugar Cookies

Decorating sugar cookies is currently on my to-do list! Decorating sugar cookies is so fun! They are made for a delicious treat, and you can give them away as little holiday care packages!

18. Have a glass of wine and cozy up your space

Take some time to cozy up your space with pillows, blankets, candles, and Christmas lights while enjoying a glass of wine!

19. Draw or Paint Freely

Too often, my intention to paint for enjoyment ends with frustration. Instead of putting pressure on yourself to create the perfect painting, allow yourself to paint without expecting a particular outcome.

20. Try A New Craft

Try a new craft. There are tons of different starter kits you could try. A craft kit is an inexpensive way to teach yourself a new skill! You could even use things you already have and watch a tutorial!

I hope you found something to help you relax and enjoy some downtime during the holiday season!

If you end up using one of these ideas, post it on your Instagram story and tag me, @laree_social!

XO,

Kirstyn

self carepersonal development

Kirstyn Benson