Say Goodbye to Holiday Stress

Ease into the season with Connie’s 360 approach to outsmart holiday stress, focusing on all facets of wellness for the mind, body, and soul.

It’s crucial to enter the holiday season with a healthy mindset that prioritizes self-care, stress management, and healthy habits. This includes setting boundaries, practicing mindfulness, and ensuring adequate sleep and physical activity. The following tips will help get you there, but above all, remember to focus on gratitude and connect with loved ones in ways that are meaningful to you. 

Prioritize Self-Care

Make time for activities that help you relax and recharge, like reading, spending time outdoors, or practicing yoga or other forms of exercise. If your budget allows, schedule time to visit a spa or wellness center that has a sauna or a cold plunge. Some emerging research suggests that cold plunging can invigorate and stimulate the nervous system, helping to decrease inflammation and improve muscle recovery. A 2025 study from the University of Ottawa also determined that repeated cold exposure can improve important mechanisms that protect your cells. Another great way to put yourself first is by beginning the day with a few minutes of meditation to set you up for success. 

Enjoy Time With Family and Friends

Organize fun family activities that will allow all generations to participate, such as crafting, baking, decorating, cooking, or singing. After all, the holiday season is the perfect reason to give back to those who don’t often have the opportunity to participate with community. Going to a holiday play or musical together is also a fun way to detract from the noise and craziness of the season, all while creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Practice Mindfulness

Incorporate mindfulness practices like meditation and deep breathing exercises to stay present and reduce anxiety. If you have the space, bring a yoga mat to work and practice for 20 minutes over lunch to soothe both body and soul before getting back into the grind. You can also try box breathing (where you inhale, hold, exhale, then hold again) for a few minutes. Even two to five minutes will allow you to reset and clear your mind and allow you to focus for the rest of your workday. 

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“Having a Plan This Holiday Season Will Help You Thrive, Not Just Survive.”

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Make Time for Rest and Relaxation

Ensure you’re getting enough sleep during these few busy weeks—at least seven to eight hours—and allow for some downtime in order to avoid burnout. Sleep is both restorative and rejuvenating, so don’t cut yourself short!

Set Your Boundaries

Don’t feel obligated to attend every event or overschedule yourself. It’s okay to say no and prioritize your well-being, even if that means turning down a work event! Alternatively, consider attending for an hour or two instead of the full event. 

It’s also okay to be selective about what you choose to eat. Why not bring something to the event (whether it’s a house or work party), so you and others can enjoy a healthy holiday treat together. Be okay with putting yourself first! 

Use Upper-Management Tools

Identify what holiday stressors are your triggers and work on developing coping mechanisms for when they emerge. Take a moment to recognize how you feel and address it in the moment instead of allowing emotions to spiral out of control. Go for a walk, fit in a workout, or call a supportive friend to help you manage any emotional dysregulation. Planning ahead also alleviates anxiety and stress. 

Prepare for potential challenges by creating a budget, planning social activities in advance, and anticipating family dynamics, such as uncomfortable topics at the dinner table. Embrace the “smile sweetly and keep it simple” mentality, and commit to not being reactive. 

Practice Gratitude

Focus on the positive aspects of the season and cultivate a sense of gratitude. One way to do this is by going to your place of worship if it’s stabilizing and uplifting for you. Bonus: being in a familiar environment signals the release of endorphins, otherwise known as “happy hormones.” Moments that bring you joy and happiness are the key elements of a successful (and stress-free) holiday experience. 

Seek Support When You Need It Most

Self-care can be fun and relaxing, and it can also help you maintain peak mental health. Protecting your peace is the ultimate way to enjoy the holiday season, so try surrounding yourself with those who truly care about you and your well-being.

Connect with loved ones, join support groups, or consider finding a professional you can speak with. Embrace this time of year by focusing on the special moments, as the busyness of the season doesn’t always allow us to have a fully immersive experience. Take a breath, slow down, pause, and enjoy. Overall, don’t strive for perfection—embrace the imperfections. It’s okay to allow space for the upsets, as long as you don’t make them the focus. 

Lean on Mindful Eating

Be mindful of your food choices and portion sizes. Don’t deprive yourself entirely, but do aim for balanced meals and healthy snacks. Focus on high-protein meals so you won’t feel sluggish, have lulls in energy, or experience blood sugar spikes. Significant protein (at least 30 grams per meal) as part of a whole-food diet abates cravings during long and busy days while keeping your energy high.

Stay Active

Incorporate regular daily physical activity into your routine. I always say, “Something is better than nothing!” Try scheduling your workout before the day begins, which will allow time for wellness before your busy calendar leads you astray. Remember, physical health supports your emotional wealth, keeping you on track and in alignment with your goals. 

Stay Hydrated and on Top of Vices

Be mindful of your alcohol consumption, as excessive use can negatively impact your mood and mental health. Stick to single-alcohol drinks such as wine or vodka with a sugar-free mixer, instead of cocktails like martinis or negronis, to keep intake under control. 

Staying hydrated and ensuring that you supplement with electrolytes like magnesium are also essential when consuming alcoholic beverages. Alternate drinking one glass of alcohol with one glass of water throughout the event, to better the odds that you won’t experience a headache. This will also help you ensure you look fresh and well-rested for the party season. 

With these tips and techniques, you are now empowered to enjoy the highlights of the holidays with inner and outer strength, all while looking and feeling your absolute best!

The Inside-Out Method

Along with proper hydration, follow these three steps so your outer glow matches how you feel on the inside.

 Step 1      

Double moisturize.

Apply one layer on clean skin, focusing on your eyes, face, and neck, then wait a few minutes for it to be absorbed before applying a second layer. Your skin is now refreshed and ready for foundation.

 Step 2  

Use a misting spray throughout the day.

I recommend Chanel’s SUBLIMAGE La Brume or MAC’s Fix+ Magic Radiance nourishing spray with vitamin C to keep the glow going all day long. Don’t forget to use it after the gym, too!

 Step 3   

Add a shimmery powder on top of your blush.

Try MAC’s Mineralize Skin finish in Soft & Gentle (my personal favorite), which provides a slight sheen that enhances your complexion’s suppleness and glow, even if you have very dry skin.