Looking for holiday wellness ideas to help you ease stress and truly enjoy the season? We get it—the holidays often bring feelings of overwhelm, financial strain, or tough social situations that can send stress levels through the roof.
At iHeart Wellness, we’ve been supporting people through stressful times for years. We do this by simplifying health and sharing science-backed insights & tips to help you feel your best.
And now, while the holiday season brings its own challenges, we’re here to share expert wellness tips that will guide you toward lasting health, joy, and balance.
How to approach these Holiday wellness ideas
Studies show that 89% of people in the US feel increased stress and anxiety during the holidays. So, we’re not here to add more pressure by encouraging you to stick to a wellness routine perfectly.
That would only create more stress, and that’s the last thing we want for you.
Instead, take a look at these holiday wellness ideas, take your time, and choose the ones that truly resonate with you and address the challenges you’re facing this season. There’s no need to implement everything at once.
Start small, focus on what feels right, and build from there.
You’ve got this! Let’s dive in.
1. Start with self-awareness and honor your Inner Health
First things first—check in with yourself. Let go of the pressure to feel the ‘holiday cheer’ or have the “most wonderful time of the year.” This kind of expectation only adds unnecessary stress, whether or not you actually feel it.
Take a moment to pause and check in with how you're feeling, both physically and emotionally, without trying to change anything. This simple step helps you slow down before the hustle begins and gives you a quick mental reset.
And don’t limit it to the morning—check in anytime you feel yourself speeding up or losing touch with the present moment.
It may seem simple, but it makes a big difference.
If you want to take it further, the iHeart Wellness Monitor can help you track your stress levels and Inner Health score throughout the day.
You’ll get data-based insights into what’s really going on in your body, along with tips on how to manage it. And, you can navigate the holiday season with more ease and clarity!
2. Create a grounding morning routine
Next, before fully diving into the holiday hustle, take a moment in the morning to set a peaceful tone for the day ahead by doing something you love.
It can be anything that feels good—maybe having a veggie-packed smoothie or matcha to start your day. Or, if you’re like us, a quick breathwork session before the matcha.
At iHeart Wellness, we’re big fans of pranayama (breathwork) because it nourishes the body, calms the mind, and helps us stay present.
Need a little energy? Try "breath of fire." Looking for grounding and clarity? Boxed breathing is perfect.
If you’re short on time, no worries—just five minutes can make a big difference in how you show up today.
PS: We’ve also written an entire article on pranayama—feel free to check it out to find the breathwork that works for you. And if you’d like more support, our breathwork coaches are here for live, guided sessions to help you dive deeper.
3. Set at least one non-negotiable
If you’re asking, “How can I help my holiday stress?” the answer is: Boundaries. The holidays come with a lot of expectations, so give yourself permission to set them.
This might mean skipping a busy event or asking loved ones for help. Sharing the load can even become a fun connecting experience! Boundaries aren’t just about physical rest—they’re about creating space for your mental and emotional well-being.
Think about anything that feels like “too much” for you. Maybe it’s having family around all day. If that’s the case, communicate your need for some “me-time” and ask for the space you need.
Choose at least one non-negotiable holiday boundary and stick with it. Remember, this isn’t selfish—boundaries are a form of self-respect and help you enjoy a more balanced, joyful holiday season.
4. Stay active with feel-good movement
As we slip out of our usual routines, workouts often take a backseat too. But to keep your health in check, find the time to move in ways that feel fun and uplifting—like a family walk, dancing to holiday tunes, or a flowy yoga session.
Movement doesn’t have to be serious—it’s about enjoying the moment and connecting with your body.
And remember, it shouldn’t feel like another task to check off of your to-do list. Think of it as a loving ritual, a way to care for yourself. This way you’ll be creating energy and flow that leaves you feeling balanced and vibrant, long after the season ends.
5. Make mindful nourishing food choices
The holidays often bring an increase in alcohol, sugar, and processed foods—and that can definitely affect how your body feels. But don’t worry, we’re not here to tell you not to enjoy your holiday meals. Absolutely not!
Instead, focus on filling up on probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kombucha, kimchi, and fermented veggies. These will support your gut and help you feel good. You can also add fiber-rich veggies like broccoli, leafy greens, beets, and more.
Mix these into colorful, nourishing meals before indulging in your holiday treats. And when you do eat, truly enjoy every bite.
Eating is a perfect time to practice mindfulness. Take your time, savor the flavors, listen to your body’s cues, and enjoy! This not only makes your food more satisfying but helps prevent overindulgence—which is almost synonymous with the holidays.
For more clarity on how food impacts your body, try using the iHeart Wellness Monitor.
Certain foods can spike insulin levels and increase stress, but with the monitor’s insights and expert tips, you’ll know exactly where you’re at and how to stay balanced to feel your best.
6. Embrace the generous spirit and give to yourself
Christmas is the time of giving, and we often focus on giving our all to our loved ones. But here’s a gentle reminder: don’t forget to give to yourself, too!
As routines go out the window during the festive season, it’s easy to feel off in your body or well-being. So, choose just one thing you can do each day to help you feel like you.
Earlier, we mentioned the importance of a grounding morning routine. You can also take moments throughout the day to step back from the chaos and recharge in a way that feels good to you.
Whether it’s reading in a cozy spot, meditating with your favorite essential oils, or even taking a nap—whatever helps you feel refreshed.
When you take care of yourself, you show up more fully for others. It’s how you can enjoy a peaceful, beautiful holiday while still feeling good—both in body and mind.
7. Focus on one thing at a time
During the festive season, it’s easy to get caught up in overdrive. You’re checking off holiday gift lists, double-checking travel plans, and wrapping up last-minute work deadlines.
It may seem like multitasking is the best way to tackle your to-do list, but it actually does more harm than good.
Switching between tasks can impair cognitive performance and increase the chance of mistakes, leading to more stress.
So, here’s our advice: When you catch yourself trying to do everything at once, resist the urge. You’ll not only be more efficient, but you’ll also avoid triggering your body’s stress response.
So, how to practice self-care over the holidays?
It’s all about finding small, intentional moments that support your well-being in between the hustle.
Whether it’s setting boundaries, taking time to nourish your body, or simply slowing down to check in with yourself, these little bits of care can make a huge difference.
Remember, self-care doesn’t need to be complicated—it’s about listening to what your body and mind need, so you can truly enjoy the season with balance and ease.
And if you’d like to leave out the guesswork and know exactly what to do to keep your body nurtured through the festivities…
Be sure to grab your iHeart Wellness Monitor while it’s still 20% OFF! Just use the code IHEARTYES and track your real-time Inner Health data. Plus, get science-backed tips to keep you balanced and feeling amazing, inside and out!
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