10 Ways to Relax and Recharge this Holiday Season

Less hustle. More heart. Happier joints.

If the holidays sometimes feel like you’re sprinting through an obstacle course in a snow globe, you’re not alone. The goal here isn’t to “win December”—it’s to enjoy it. Think of these 10 simple ideas as your friendly playbook for calm, connection, and comfortable movement.

“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing—that’s why we recommend it daily.” —Zig Ziglar

1. Stir, Sauté, and Slow Down

Cooking or baking on purpose is therapy you can eat—and this is the time of year to get a head start.

Choose one simple recipe, put your phone in a drawer, and turn dinner into a sensory reset—slice, stir, and savor. Being aware of all your senses while cooking is a mini mindfulness practice that helps you downshift.

If you’ve been overindulging, go nutrient-dense. If you need delight, bake something small and share it. The win is in the ritual.

2. A Mini “Forest Bath”

Forest bathing is a thing. Studies have shown that the practice, known as Shinrin-yoku, is actually effective. The concept is simple.

• Go out in nature
• Spend time among trees

Find your nearest patch of green and take a 20–30 minute walk—no notifications, just nature. Breathe in for four counts, out for six, and let your shoulders drop. You’re not “exercising”; you’re absorbing peace.

Hogwarts had the Forbidden Forest; you’ve got the neighborhood park. Much safer, same magic.

3. The Daily Off Switch

Social media, emails, texts, calls—there’s always another ping. This holiday season, pick one hour where screens don’t get a vote. Read. Stretch. Sip tea. Start a conversation. Enjoy the present moment. You’ll be amazed what returns when the noise settles.

And whether you work from home or in an office, leave work at work. Those messages can wait until morning.

4. Create an Essential-Oil Routine

Do you have frankincense essential oil in your cabinet? Many of our readers do. We love frankincense for its grounding, cozy aroma—perfect for a wind-down routine.

Make it a ritual: diffuse for 10–15 minutes in the evening, or (if your skin tolerates it) add a tiny amount to your wrists for the scent only.

Prefer variety? Lemon or bergamot can feel bright and uplifting; peppermint can feel crisp and clearing. Keep it simple and consistent—right after a hot shower, first thing in the morning, or to wind down at night.

Note: Always follow label guidance and discontinue topical use if your skin is sensitive.

5. Start Practicing Meditation

No incense required (though frankincense is a power move). Sit, close your eyes, and follow your breath for three minutes—long exhale, thoughts float by like parade balloons. 

Many people hesitate to meditate because they aren’t sure where to start or if they’re doing it “right.” Want training wheels? Use a short guided track. You can’t mess it up; the only “wrong” way is skipping it. Start with this quick three-minute guided meditation to recharge.

6. Make Movie Night an Event

Pajamas, popcorn, and one feel-good holiday film. A few movie nights with the people who matter fuels the soul. Laughter lowers the drawbridge on stress, and a planned “cozy” night gives your week a north star. Bonus points for quoting the classics: “Keep the change, ya filthy animal.”

7. Choose Your Weekly Self-Care Night

You pour out all season—make time to pour some back in.

Schedule a one-hour appointment with yourself: warm bath, skincare ritual, journaling, reading by the tree, or a favorite hobby. Rules: no multitasking, no apologies. Do it more than once a week if you can. Think of it as a gift to yourself that actually gets used.

8. 20 Minutes of Yoga or Mobility

We saw you turn your nose up. But as much as we hate getting “yoga” as advice, motion is lotion. Gentle movement helps you relax, maintain range of motion, and keep doing what you love.
Try this simple flow: cat-cow, child’s pose, low lunge, figure-four stretch, and a long hamstring reach—about two minutes each. Breathe slowly. Stop before strain. Your body will thank you at tomorrow’s cookie swap.

If you're not sure where to start, here's a great yoga sequence to help calm your mind and body.

9. Choose Meaning on Purpose

It’s easy to get pulled into the commercial swirl. Write down three feelings you most want from the holidays—maybe calm, connection, gratitude. Let those words guide your calendar. If an invite doesn’t support your three, it’s okay to pass. This season is about presence, not just presents.

10. The Graceful “No”

Between the party invites, holiday shopping, and family gatherings, it's easy to overcommit and feel overwhelmed. Protect your bandwidth with a kind boundary: “Thanks for thinking of me! I can’t commit this time, but I’m cheering you on.” A short, gracious “no” today makes room for a wholehearted “yes” tomorrow.

Final Thoughts

The holidays are meant to be enjoyed, not survived. Pick two or three ideas from this list and try them this week. Small, steady choices create big, steady energy—and more moments you’ll actually remember. 

If your joints could use a little extra support while you’re cooking, walking the park loop, or tackling that movie-night blanket fort, keep Royal Warrior Frankincense DMSO Cream nearby. It’s fast-absorbing and non-greasy—designed to help you move more comfortably so you can focus on the good stuff: family, laughter, and the memories you’re making.

Learn More about Royal Warrior Cream Today!