The holiday season can be incredibly stressful. Between work, school assignments, buying gifts, class parties, holiday concerts, sports, clubs, exercising, shopping, wrapping presents, and trying to juggle it all, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. And that’s not even counting the daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, and organizing the house.
It can feel like a lot to manage, and while it’s a stressful time of year, it’s also a truly magical one. Despite the hustle and bustle, getting to those special moments makes the more challenging times feel sweeter. But even so, here are 7 tips to help boost your mood without breaking the bank.
1. Exercise
As I’ve mentioned countless times, exercise can work wonders for your mood. Even if you’re not in the mood to work out, just pushing yourself to do something—whether it’s a quick walk or a short strength session—can provide an immediate mood boost. Aim for at least 30 minutes of movement every day to keep your spirits lifted.
2. Take a Bath
My husband always kindly takes the kids downstairs on Sunday nights, saying, “Go take a bath and relax.” Taking those 45 minutes to myself lifts my mood and helps me handle bedtime with more patience and calm. Sometimes, all it takes is a little “me time” to reset.
3. Read a Book
I love reading, but I rarely find enough time for it. I make it a point to check out a book from the library, and even if it takes me months, I eventually finish it. Taking 15 minutes a day to read can slow things down and help you unwind. If you read before bed, it can even help you fall asleep peacefully (which is why it often takes me so long to finish a book!).
4. Get Your Shopping Done Early
This year, I made a real effort to get my shopping done ahead of time, focusing on one person at a time instead of trying to buy everything at once. This approach helped me avoid feeling overwhelmed. The same goes for wrapping presents—getting a little done each day turns it into a fun activity, rather than a stressful chore.
5. Go on a Hike
My family and I have been taking advantage of the mild 40-50 degree weather to go hiking. It’s my ultimate form of relaxation—even though it might seem odd since you’re walking in the cold with kids in tow. But there’s something about being surrounded by nature that makes my stress melt away. I feel fully present and enjoy the peace and quiet. This past Sunday, we brought our dog Freddie, letting him roam freely on parts of the trail. It was a little chilly, but once we started moving, we warmed up quickly. I’m always impressed by our boys—they find joy in every little thing, from sticks to hills to running and pretending. My middle son, Ben, is the leader of our hikes, always directing us where to go. He’s so determined that if you try to step in front, he’ll speed up and politely take the lead again. I highly recommend hiking for families—it’s a great bonding experience. We’re already planning our next adventure, exploring more challenging trails on a family vacation.
6. Practice Self-Care
Self-care doesn’t have to be extravagant. It can be as simple as painting your nails, applying a face mask, or styling your hair. I’ll admit, I don’t always take the time to do these things as often as I’d like, but even a little bit of self-care can work wonders for your mood.
7. Just Talk
Talking can be so healing, whether it’s through therapy, venting to a friend, chatting with your family on the phone, sharing a dinner conversation with your loved ones, or cuddling in bed with your spouse to talk about the day. I’m very close to my siblings and mom, and we talk often. Those life chats where you can unload your feelings, talk about your dreams (like my occasional wish for a fourth baby), and share whatever is on your mind are priceless.
Whether you’re a mom with little ones, don’t have kids yet, or have older children, we all feel the stress of the holiday season. But focusing on the positives—the joy, the gratitude, and the connection we share—can help soften the stress. This season is about more than presents; it’s about appreciating what truly matters. Taking the time to acknowledge your feelings and using one of these simple strategies to reset can help put a smile back on your face.