The holiday season brings a whirlwind of gatherings, gifting, and a bustle of to-do lists, often leaving us more stressed than soothed. But there are simple ways to keep calm and enjoy the season. Here are some tips to relieve holiday stress, using aromatherapy as one of many strategies to help you feel more balanced.

1. Practice Mindful Breathing

When holiday stress hits, mindful breathing can bring you back to a calm place. Try breathing in deeply for a count of four, holding for four, and exhaling slowly for four. This practice can help lower stress levels in just a few minutes. For extra calm, apply Scentered’s De-stress Balm to your wrists and temples; its blend of chamomile, neroli and mandarin can enhance this relaxation ritual.

2. Set Boundaries with Your Schedule

This time of year can be busy, so give yourself permission to say "no" when you need to. Instead of feeling obligated to attend every event, choose the ones that genuinely bring you joy and skip the rest. Freeing up your schedule leaves more time to recharge, rest, and enjoy the season on your terms.

3. Create Cozy Spaces at Home

A comfortable, peaceful home can help you recharge. Create a corner to be your holiday sanctuary—just a chair with a soft blanket, a cup of tea, and a good book. Consider lighting a De-stress Candle nearby to bring in calming scents that help you unwind as you spend time in your cozy space.

4. Move Your Body Every Day

Exercise is one of the best stressbusters, but it doesn’t have to mean an intense workout. Try gentle activities like a walk in the crisp winter air, a light yoga session, or even dancing to holiday music. Exercise releases endorphins, which naturally improve your mood, making you feel more resilient to holiday stress.

5. Prioritize Your Sleep

Busy schedules and holiday excitement can make it easy to skimp on sleep, but quality rest is essential for managing stress. Create a wind-down routine to prepare for sleep—dim the lights, put away screens, and avoid heavy meals or caffeine late at night. If you struggle getting to sleep, try applying the Scentered Sleep Well Balm to your pulse points before bed. Its gentle scent can help signal to your body that it's time to relax.

6. Schedule Small Moments of Joy

Holiday stress can make it easy to overlook what makes this time of year special. Plan small, joyful activities, like baking cookies, decorating, or watching a favorite holiday movie. Being intentional about these moments helps create lasting memories and keeps the focus on what matters most.

7. Take Breaks from the Hustle

Even during busy days, try to carve out a few minutes for yourself. Go outside for some fresh air, sit quietly with a hot drink, or simply close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. If you’re at home, lighting the Escape Candle for a few minutes can create a calming atmosphere that lets you recharge quickly.

8. Don’t Stress Over the To-Do List

It’s easy to get caught up in completing every item on your list but try not to stress over getting everything perfect. Set the essential tasks and let the rest fall into place naturally. Creating your plan in advance will help ease the stress as Christmas gets closer but remember that a little bit of self-compassion can ease the pressure.  Aromatherapy can be a useful tool here—apply a bit of the De-stress balm to your pulse points, breathe deeply, and remind yourself that it's Christmas won’t be a disaster if you forget the cranberry sauce!