Holistic Tools for Surviving the Holidays (With Your Sanity Intact)

by Tulin Howey

The holidays: that magical time when twinkling lights meet overflowing to-do lists, and our calendars suddenly resemble game boards from “Survival of the Festive.” With extra social events, travel, gifting, and family dynamics that could power a Netflix drama, it’s totally normal to feel more frazzled than festive. Luckily, your body and mind come equipped with built-in chill buttons — we just forget to press them. Holistic wellness isn’t about being perfect…it’s about staying mostly calm while you hunt for that one relative’s gluten-free-dairy-free-joy-free recipe. 🫖


Start with your environment. Swap harsh lighting for cozy lamps or candles (bonus points if they’re scented with lavender or cedarwood). Keep a calming playlist on standby for crowd-control vibes, and diffuse essential oils that remind you of a spa instead of a mall. And when family conversations wander into “So what are you doing with your life?” territory — that’s your cue to sip tea dramatically like the spiritually enlightened rockstar you are.


Finally, don’t underestimate the grounding power of your own rituals. A 5-minute breathing break, a moonlit walk, a gratitude list before bed — these practices aren’t just self-care; they’re self-preservation. This season, give yourself what we all secretly want: permission to be imperfect, to rest, and to enjoy the tiny pockets of magic between the chaos. Because the real spirit of the holidays? It’s you still showing up with love and sparkle… even if your hair is 80% dry shampoo. 😅✨

 

 

Inspiration for the Season

 

“Peace doesn’t mean life gets quieter — it means you become the calm in the glittery storm.” 🌙

 

 

Holistic Action Steps

Here are quick ways to reset when the holidays try to take you down:

  1. Breathe like a boss: Inhale for 4… hold for 2… exhale for 6. Repeat 5 times.

  2. Make a ‘Bare Minimum Holiday Plan’: One joy (tea + blanket), one task (gift wrap), one boundary (“No politics, Aunt Linda”). ✔️

  3. Create a ritual just for you: Singing bowl session, meditation, journaling, or hugging a giant pillow — whatever elevates your spirit.

  4. Hydrate + herbal allies: Peppermint or chamomile tea for calm; magnesium or holy basil if your nervous system needs backup.

  5. Walk it out: After any stressful convo, take a lap — even if it’s to the mailbox and back. Nature always wins.

 

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