Let Your Heart Be Light: Gentle Holiday Wellness Tips

By Sofie Charron, RP

Wellness Over the Holidays

The holidays can be beautiful, meaningful, and comforting, but also stressful, busy, and emotionally complicated. For many of us, this season brings a mix of excitement and pressure. There are expectations around family, food, gifts, finances, social events, and even how we’re “supposed” to feel. And when you’re already tired, overwhelmed, or navigating difficult relationships or emotions, the holidays can feel like a lot.

Wellness at this time of year doesn’t mean having the perfect routine or following a strict self-care checklist. It’s much more about staying connected to yourself, noticing what you need, and giving yourself permission to slow down or soften your expectations. Here are some gentle ways to support your mental and emotional well-being over the holiday season.

1. Notice What You’re Feeling (Without Judging It)

The holidays can bring up a whole range of feelings: Joy, sadness, nostalgia, irritation, anxiety, gratitude, or even numbness. Instead of pushing feelings away or trying to “be cheerful,” try pausing and naming what’s coming up.

A simple practice:

• Take a breath

• Notice what’s happening inside

• Say, “I’m feeling ____, and that’s okay.”

  
  

Letting emotions be what they are creates room for compassion and grounding.

2. Let “Good Enough” Be Enough

Holiday pressure is real. Perfect meals, perfect gifts, perfect hosting, perfect family harmony—it’s a lot for one nervous system to manage. Choosing “good enough” can be incredibly freeing.

Ask yourself:

• What actually matters most to me this year/in this moment?

• What could I simplify?

• What would make this season/moment feel more manageable?

  
  

Sometimes the most meaningful choice is the one that leaves space to breathe.

3. Use Boundaries

Boundaries are limits you place around your time and energy. Stating your boundaries helps you be more resilient, show up more authentically and enjoy more fulfilling holidays.

A few examples:

• “I’d love to come, but I’ll need to leave a little early.”

• “I'm avoiding this topic today, it tends to get tense - let's talk about __________ ”

• “I don’t have the budget for larger gifts this year, so I’m keeping things simple.”

• “I’m stepping out for a quick break; I’ll be right back.”

  
  

Small boundaries can make a big difference in reducing overwhelm.

4. Give Your Nervous System Some Care

The holidays are full of stimulation: The noise, people, lights, activity, travel, routines changing. Your nervous system may need a bit more support than usual.

Try simple grounding habits:

• A walk outside, even for 10 minutes

• A slow stretch before bed

• Drinking water regularly

• Putting your phone down for a little while

• Taking a few steady breaths when things feel busy

• Using gentle lighting, earplugs and pleasant scents

  
  

Tiny practices can help you reset and stay steady.

5. Choose Meaningful Connection Over Obligation

Connection doesn’t have to come from big gatherings or elaborate traditions. Small, intentional moments often mean more.

Try:

• Watching a movie with someone you care about

• Sending a voice note to a friend

• Sharing something you appreciate about a person at the table

• Doing something playful or low-pressure

• Reaching out to someone who might be having a tough season

  
  

If you’re spending the holidays alone or grieving, connection might look different, but it can still be gentle, quiet, and real.

6. Make Space for Grief, Change, or Mixed Emotions

Many people struggle more at this time of year, even if no one else can see it. Holidays can highlight things that have changed, such as relationships, health, finances, routines, or the loss of someone important.

If this is you:

• Allow yourself to feel what you feel

• Honour the person or thing you’re missing

• Create a small ritual if it helps

• Give yourself permission to step back from overwhelming situations

  
  

You’re not doing the holidays “wrong” if they feel heavy. You’re human.

7. Rest Whenever You Can

The culture around the holidays often encourages us to keep going and do more. But rest is a form of wellness too.

Rest might mean:

• Saying no to an invitation

• Having a quiet morning

• Do one thing at a time

• Taking a nap

• Lowering your expectations of yourself

  
  

Rest lets your body and mind settle so you can engage more fully in the moments that matter.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a perfect holiday season to have a meaningful one. Wellness comes from presence, compassion, and small, intentional choices. Whether this season brings joy, challenge, or a bit of both, you deserve to move through it with kindness toward yourself.

If the stress of the holidays feels heavy, our Care Coordinator, Isabel, is here to help connect you to the right therapist and resources. Reach out anytime at info@charrontherapy.com.