The Top 5 Christmas self care activities

Sometimes we get so busy at Christmas time caring about everyone else, that it can get easy to lose sight of ourselves and what we might need.

But taking care of our mind and body is especially important at times when we feel like we don’t “have time”.

Remember: You can never pour from an empty cup!

Here are a few of my favourite activities to find a moment of peace in an otherwise stressful and chaotic time.

What you can find in this post about self-care:

1. Christmas movie night

This is a classic but nevertheless amazing. There are so many great Christmas movies to watch, and there is something for every taste.

To make a real movie night out of it, I would recommend cooking or ordering your favourite meal, having a cup of tea and some snacks, and then falling into the scenery of the movie, forgetting what real life looks like for just two hours.

Having that distraction or “escape” always really helps me to feel more relaxed and less stressed by all the other christmasy and non-christmasy tasks and to-dos still on my list.

You can enjoy the movie alone, with friends, family, or a partner. For my self-care experience, I prefer to watch it alone, but what counts is what works best for you.

2. Self-care Spa activities

Taking some time out of the day to recharge and recollect your thoughts can work wonders, and you absolutely do deserve some spa time over Christmas break! Even if it’s just 10 minutes here and there.

To make the most of these few holy minutes, here are my favourite Christmas self care activities for relaxation and slowing down.

1. Book, blanket and (for lack of a fireplace) a candle

There is something about reading that puts me back in a slow-life mood and makes the world around me slow down as well, just as it should be this time of year.

2. Bath or Hot Shower

Let the hot water melt your tensed muscles, and the quiet of being alone give you a chance to breathe and relax.

3. Face mask and a Podcast/audiobook

A quick but nevertheless effective way to tap out of the hustle and bustle of Christmas time for a while and focus on yourself and whatever you want to listen to (silence is completely fine as well!).

4. (Guided) Meditation

Truly emptying your brain can seem impossible over the holidays, but it can have an amazingly relaxing effect and always helps me refocus on what is truly important, losing the rest of my constantly swirling (and unnecessary) thoughts.

You can find hundreds of free guided meditations on the internet, some even Christmas-themed.

3. Winter Wonderland Walk

I am a winter person, so one thing I love about Christmas – and winter in general – is the crispy cold weather and (if I am lucky) the snow outside.

Plus, getting some fresh air can help clear your head and activate your nervous system in the best way. You are truly “walking off” the stress.

However, all the preparations, the many meals, and gift-giving can keep us inside, especially on the holidays.

So whenever you feel stressed out or need a break from whatever chaos is going on inside, try to take a couple of minutes (maybe even just a walk around the block) to remove yourself from the situation and come back dealing with the chaos in a calmer (and maybe more reasonable) way.

4. Being creative

It has become normal in our modern and consumerist world to buy the presents we give to others, making us forget how special handmade gifts can be and how amazing it feels to have created something with our own hands.

Creating things at Christmas time doesn’t have to be for a gift; it can also be just for you, but it helps focus on the present moment; on this stitch, this ingredient, or this brushstroke.

Here are my favourite ways to create things around Christmas:

1. Handiwork: Embroidery, crocheting and knitting

Creating something with your own hands, even something small, that can be used in daily life, is beyond fulfilling.

2. Puzzling

I love puzzling while watching my favourite Christmas movies, which I know by heart already, to truly relax and get into the spirit.

3. Baking/Cooking

There is a lot of that going on at Christmas time already, but there is something about just doing it because you want to.

Adding all the ingredients and creating something so delicious can be truly calming.

4. Drawing/ Journaling

Getting your thoughts and feelings on paper in whichever way suits you best is one of the most amazing ways I know to clear my soul and feel ten times lighter afterwards.

5. Working out

Over the last few years, I have truly learned that exercise and moving my body are amazing for the human nervous system, releasing endorphins and relieving stress in the best way.

However, how you want to move your body is completely up to you. Here are my suggestions to fit working out into your Christmas timetable:

1. Home Workout

If you have a room where you can lock yourself in and use a free Workout-Video to work off some stress, I would highly recommend this!

2. Going for a run

Gets you out of the house and moving at the same time.

Has been a lifesaver for me when dealing with family overwhelm more than once.

3. Dancing to Christmas songs

This takes up the least amount of time and will heighten your mood instantly!

Choose your favourite song and dance the worries away.

4. (Morning) Yoga

It is a “slower” way of moving, but nevertheless intense(!) and great for a little (or big) mind-reset.

This post has been all about the top 5 Christmas self care activities.

I hope this has been helpful and please remember: You deserve all the good things this world has to offer!

More Blog Posts for you