Rest and Renewal: The Better Way to Self-Care During the Holiday Season
As the holiday season approaches, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of preparations, gatherings, and festivities. While this time of year is meant to bring joy, it often becomes a source of stress. To prevent holiday burnout, it’s essential to prioritize self-care. In this episode of A Better Way: The Podcast, hosts Eleanor L. Brown and Isamary Nieves Banks share some of their favorite self-care tips for the holiday season, each supported by practical advice and scripture.
Here are eight types of self-care you can focus on during the holiday season, along with a few laughs from our own experiences.
1.Physical Self-Care
Staying active during the holidays is a great way to manage stress and boost your mood, whether it’s by taking daily walks, practicing yoga, or stretching. As 1 Corinthians 6:19 reminds us, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and caring for them is an important part of self-care.
Now, if you're like me, sometimes the hardest part about physical self-care is actually doing it. Isa and I were laughing during the podcast about how we both try to squeeze in our exercise. I do 5Ks to feel better about myself, and Isa... well, she admitted she got caught up doing so much that she forgot to take care of herself! We had a good chuckle about how we both like to think, "I’ll start tomorrow." But we all know how that goes, right? It’s tomorrow, and you’re still sitting on the couch.
Isa shared a funny story about how her shame kicked in when she tried to rest. She said, "I just sat there, trying to relax, but the whole time I was like, what am I supposed to be doing right now?!" We’ve all been there, right? But seriously, getting up and moving—even for a short walk—does wonders for both body and mind!
2. Emotional Self-Care
Setting healthy boundaries is crucial during the holidays. Sometimes, the most loving thing you can do for yourself is say “no” to events that feel overwhelming. Psalm 34:18 reminds us that God is close to the brokenhearted, so it’s okay to protect your emotional space when you need it.
Emotional self-care is a big one during the holidays. Isa and I joked about how we try to do it all during the holiday season—attend every event, cook every meal, and meet every need. And before you know it, you’re exhausted. Isa said, "By the time I finally took a break, I was so emotionally drained I just wanted to shut down." Sometimes, the best gift you can give yourself is the gift of a boundary. Say no to one more party, or at least take a few minutes of alone time to recharge. (And no, setting boundaries doesn’t make you clingy or needy. It makes you human!)
3. Spiritual Self-Care
During the holiday season, it’s vital to set aside time for prayer and reflection. Matthew 11:28 says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Connecting with God, even for a few moments, can bring a sense of peace and renewal.
We talked about how easy it is to say, "I’ll pray later," when the holiday season kicks into high gear. It’s so important to make time for God, whether it’s during a quiet moment of reflection or a walk where you chat with Him. Isa and I cracked up talking about how we overthink things—whether it’s prayer or our to-do list. Isa joked, "Just talk to God, y’all! It’s not that complicated. You don’t need to do an hour-long performance. Just say, 'Lord, help me get through this day!'" We really do overthink everything, but spiritual self-care is about creating little moments throughout your day to connect with God and let Him refill your cup.
4. Social Self-Care
Prioritizing meaningful relationships over social obligations can reduce stress and foster deeper connections. Galatians 6:2 encourages us to carry each other’s burdens, reminding us that it’s important to share both the joys and the struggles with those close to us.
Isa shared a great story in the podcast about the power of social self-care. She had a tough week but decided to show up for a Bible study with a group of women. "I walked in, vulnerable, feeling like a mess," she said. "But because I shared what I was going through, I was able to connect with someone who was going through the exact same thing." Sometimes, just connecting with someone else in a meaningful way makes all the difference. The holidays are a great time to invest in those relationships that truly uplift you.
5. Mental Self-Care
Mindfulness is a powerful tool for mental self-care. Romans 12:2 reminds us to renew our minds, focusing on the present rather than being overwhelmed by the past or future. Staying present during the holidays can help you enjoy the moments that matter.
Isa and I had a lot of fun with this one, especially when I talked about how I encourage clients to practice mindfulness. One of my favorite tips? Taking a Hershey’s Kiss and really savoring it. Isa laughed and said, "You’re not telling me to eat chocolate all day, are you, Elly?" Well, not quite, but savoring something simple like chocolate helps you focus on the present moment. Being mindful isn’t about meditating for hours—it’s about paying attention to the little things and staying grounded in the now.
6. Environmental Self-Care
Creating a calming space at home can make all the difference during the busy holiday season. Psalm 23:2-3 beautifully describes God leading us beside quiet waters and refreshing our souls, which reminds us that a peaceful environment fosters inner peace.
We both agreed on the podcast that a cluttered home equals a cluttered mind! Isa confessed, "If my house is a mess, I feel like my whole life is falling apart." It’s not about having a picture-perfect home but about creating a space that feels calm and peaceful. We also joked about the Christmas chaos—presents everywhere, decorations half-up—and how that clutter can make us feel out of control. So, before the holiday whirlwind hits, take a few minutes to tidy up your space. Your mind will thank you for it!
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7. Financial Self-Care
Setting a holiday budget can relieve financial stress and help you stay focused on what truly matters. Proverbs 21:5 teaches us that planning leads to abundance, but haste can lead to poverty. Sticking to a budget allows for a more peaceful holiday experience.
Ah, the joys of holiday spending! Isa and I shared stories about how we used to scramble last minute for gifts, spending way more than we should have. Isa said, "We always end up spending more when we shop last minute because you’re panicked, and the store is basically telling you what to buy!" We had a good laugh about it, but seriously, planning a budget ahead of time is a great way to enjoy the holiday season without financial stress. You don’t have to break the bank to give meaningful gifts.
8. Recreational Self-Care
Making time for fun is essential during the holidays. Proverbs 17:22 tells us that a joyful heart is good medicine, so don’t hesitate to enjoy activities that bring laughter and joy, whether it’s a favorite holiday movie or a beloved family tradition.
This might be my favorite tip. I absolutely love pottery (everyone who knows me knows that!), but during the holidays, I also love creating little traditions with my family. Isa shared her fun family tradition of singing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus with a cake, and we talked about how important it is to carve out time for joy and fun. Whether it's making gingerbread cookies or watching your favorite holiday movie, recreational self-care is essential. Isa and I agreed—laughter really is the best medicine.
