Six ways to de-stress during the festive season

The festive season brings joy, love, and togetherness, but it can also feel overwhelming and stressful with endless to-do lists, shopping sprees, and last-minute planning.

During the festivity, taking time to de-stress is essential to ensure you are refreshed, relaxed, and ready to embrace the season’s goodness.

Here are practical and effective ways to unwind and reset during the festivities.

• Practice relaxation

Practicing mindfulness exercises like deep breathing, taking walks, and meditation help manage stress.

You can set aside 10–15 minutes daily for these activities to help you stay grounded and reduce anxiety.

Mindfulness not only calms your mind but also improves your focus, making you better equipped to handle holiday tasks.

• Clean and organise your space

Cleaning your space or apartment is an excellent way to de-stress during the festive season.

A clean space helps with mental clarity and creates a sense of calm as you prepare for the holidays.

To avoid feeling overwhelmed, tackle it one step at a time. Set specific days or allocate short periods to focus on decluttering, deep cleaning, and organizing. Start with high-traffic areas like the living room or kitchen and gradually work through the rest of your space.

Make the process enjoyable and stress-relieving by incorporating soothing music or aromatherapy (like lavender or citrus scents) while cleaning.

• Prioritise self-care

Self-care can take many forms, depending on what makes you feel rejuvenated. It could be exercising, reading a good book, journaling, and visiting the spa. Even small moments, like savoring your favorite tea or engaging in a creative hobby, can make a significant difference.

By prioritising these activities and treating yourself with kindness, you will be better equipped to approach the holidays with joy.

• Take a break from social media

Constant exposure to picture-perfect holiday posts can lead to unnecessary comparison and pressure.

Limit your social media use, even if it is just an hour’s break, by setting specific times to check your apps. Use the break to focus on yourself and your preparations. Instead, enjoy offline activities like reading or journaling to unwind.

• Stay connected with loved one

Sometimes, all you need to de-stress is to be surrounded by people who make you feel supported and loved.

Connecting with loved ones, whether it’s through sharing your thoughts, catching up, or just spending quality time together, can help alleviate stress and bring a sense of peace.

So, take a moment to reach out to someone you care about — whether setting up a coffee date, making a quick phone call, or sending a thoughtful message to feel recharged before the festivities.

• Embrace simplicity

Trying to make things perfect for the holidays can lead to unnecessary stress.

Instead, focus on creating joyful moments without pressuring yourself. Simplify your celebrations by focusing on quality over quantity—whether it’s fewer decorations, smaller gatherings, or simple meals.

Also, reducing expectations can relieve a significant amount of stress.

Remember, taking care of yourself is the best gift you can give to yourself during this period.