The holiday season is often a whirlwind of emotions: excitement, stress, gratitude, overwhelm, and sometimes even loneliness. If you’re like many of us, your feelings can change by the minute. One moment, you’re eagerly anticipating family gatherings, and the next, you’re stressing over the perfect gifts or the endless to-do lists.
This emotional rollercoaster is part of the season’s charm—but it can also leave you feeling physically and mentally drained. While it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the demands of the holidays, taking care of your health doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, the key to staying balanced is often as simple as choosing one small thing you can commit to every day.
Why Simplifying Self-Care Matters
I had a conversation recently with a group of friends about how we’re all managing our health during this busy time. Some were maintaining their exercise routines, like strength training and yoga, while others admitted to feeling too busy to focus on any kind of fitness. We all agreed: with so many responsibilities and distractions, it’s easy to let self-care slip.
It reminded me of a conversation we had back in April of 2020, when the world was turning upside down. The uncertainty and stress of the pandemic made it feel like everything was out of control. In the midst of that chaos, we made a pact—no matter what else was happening, we would all commit to washing our faces every day. It may sound silly, but it was our way of finding a small, manageable ritual to hold onto when the world felt like it was spinning out of control.
That simple habit became a lifeline, and it’s a principle I still carry with me today: when life feels overwhelming, choose just one thing to take care of yourself. One thing you can do every day, no matter how chaotic or busy things get.
5 Simple Self-Care Ideas to Try This Season
If you’re struggling to keep up with your regular routines, or if you’re feeling too busy to focus on big changes, don’t worry. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s about consistency. Here are five simple, actionable self-care ideas that you can incorporate into your day:
1. Drink Water
Water is one of the simplest and most effective ways to support your body, especially during the busy holiday season. Hydration helps flush out toxins, reduce stress, and support your overall well-being. It’s free, accessible everywhere, and doesn’t take much time to do. So, grab a glass of water and make a habit of sipping throughout the day.
2. Take a Walk
Getting outside, even if just for five minutes, can do wonders for your mental and physical health. Fresh air, a quick walk, and even the cold winter breeze can help clear your mind and reset your energy. You don’t need to go far or for long—just a brief stroll around the block can make a difference.
3. Stop Scrolling
One of the most common sources of stress and distraction these days is endless social media scrolling. If you feel overwhelmed by information overload or find yourself scrolling mindlessly through apps, try setting boundaries. Delete the apps from your phone for a while or designate specific times when you’ll log in. You’ll be surprised how much more present and connected you feel when you break free from the scroll.
4. Breathe
Breathing exercises are a simple but powerful tool for reducing stress and calming your mind. An app like State (or any other short meditation tool) can guide you through a quick session, often lasting less than five minutes. These brief moments of deep breathing can help reset your nervous system and make you feel more grounded.
5. Practice Gratitude
In the hustle and bustle of the season, it’s easy to get caught up in what’s missing or what’s going wrong. A great way to shift your mindset is by practicing gratitude. Each day, jot down three things you’re grateful for, whether big or small. This simple habit can boost your mood, increase joy, and help you focus on the positive aspects of your life.
The Power of Doing One Thing
Remember, it’s easy to fall into the trap of an all-or-nothing mindset—thinking that if you can’t do everything, then you shouldn’t do anything. But this mindset can be damaging to your mental health, productivity, and well-being. Instead, celebrate the small wins.
If all you can manage today is one thing, that’s enough.
Maybe it’s drinking a glass of water or going for a short walk—whatever it is, focus on that one small act of self-care. It’s these small, consistent actions that will make a difference in how you feel. And the best part? You don’t have to wait until January to start.
You can start right now.
What’s Your One Thing?
As we head into the crux of holiday season, I encourage you to think about your one thing. What small habit or action can you commit to every day? Whether it’s taking five minutes to breathe, practicing gratitude, or simply drinking more water, focus on that one thing—and let it be your anchor during the busy days ahead.
I’d love to hear what your one thing is! Leave a comment or share with me on social media—I’m here to cheer you on as you prioritize your health and well-being this season.
Stay well and take care of yourself!
