101 Ways to Relieve Holiday Stress

Spoiler Alert: We’ve got all the ways to relieve holiday stress and it’s not just lavender.

We like to think that the best time of the year is some time in July when our lavender blooms are at their peak. But we can also appreciate the chilled Hawaiian nights, stunning winter ocean swells, time with family, holidays together, good food, good gifting and good shopping. With all that good-good, comes a bit of stress, on top of the regularly scheduled schedules we have to-do lists the size of Santa’s naughty and nice list.

Of course, being in the lavender business, we know a thing or two about relaxing and self care even in the busiest of seasons. So here we offer to you several ways how to relieve holiday stress, not a class to take but 101 thoughts to offset the hurried tempo of these times. Destress and enjoy!

1. Hang eucalyptus or lavender upside down in your shower to release beneficial aromas.
2. Perfect your cookie dunking skills.
3. Pick a new candle scent for the season.
4. Wear cute winter socks to bed.
5. Spend some time each day with your animal friend before departing.
6. Walk in the grass barefoot.
7. Stretch your body multiple times a day.
8. Call a friend to say hello. Ask their favorite way to relieve holiday stress.
9. Doodle.
10. Find a new favorite emoji.
11. Browse our selection of lavender recipes.
12. Give yourself a manicure or pedicure.
13. Sip all your drinks with your pinky up.
14. Step outside once an hour for a big breath of fresh air.
15. Explore a new place in your town.
16. Learn a meditation.
17. Make plans for next year.
18. Opt for a simple party dish.
19. Try a fresh hair style.
20. Walk the beach or forest.
21. Collect flowers or unique leaves throughout your day.
22. Draw happy faces in foggy mirrors.
23. Listen to music with your eyes closed.
24. Turn down invites if you feel overwhelmed.
25. Takes nature photos with your phone.
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26. Binge an old favorite show.
27. Binge a new favorite show.
28. Star gaze.
29. Dance in your office or living room.
30. Clean clutter to de-stress.
31. Ask for a hug.
32. Explore the art of hugging yourself.
33. Browse jokes on the internet.
34. Tell your favorite jokes to your friend.
35. Journal about holiday memories.
36. Notice the shapes in the clouds.
37. Discover a new way to organize receipts.
38. Drink lot and lots of water.
39. Lavender tea, too.
40. Look through old photos to reminisce.
41. Create new traditions with loved ones.
42. Learn to count to ten in new languages.
43. Practice conscious breathing while counting to ten in your new languages.
44. Did we mention hugs?
45. Try a new type of fruit of vegetable.
46. Make a wish list for Santa and make some of your wishes come true.
47. Write a letter to a loved one down the road.
48. Organize a penny drive at your school or office to donate to local non-profits.
49. Cancel one online subscription that you no longer use.
50. Visit your nearby lavender farm (we are open 9am to 4pm).
51. Revisit an old sport or hobby.
52. Early to bed.
53. Sleep in if you can.
54. Draw a self portrait.
55. Make travel goals.
56. Explore your personal heritage and create meals you’ve never tried before.
57. Donate canned goods to local charities (we collect canned goods at our entrance for the Maui Food Bank)
58. Attend a comedy show.
59. Stop and smell the flowers.
60. Use lavender essential oils whenever possible.
61. Make lists of things your grateful for.
62. Hold open the door for others.
63. Think of cute nick names for house plants.
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64. Add a new houseplant, and give it one of those nick names.
65. Visit your local parks.
66. Bubble bath.
67. Buy yourself flowers.
68. Attend a wreath making workshop (call 808-878-3004 to schedule)
69. Read poetry out loud.
70. Play solitaire.
71. Take an early evening walk in your neighborhood.
72. Smile at everyone you see.
73. Unplug from all devices for a day.
74. Travel the off beaten path.
75. Make a craft night with friends.
76. Hot cocoa with whipped cream, sprinkles, and marshmallows.
77. Write inspirational worlds on a post it, put it where you will see it.
78. At home spa-night.
79. Plan one weekend to have no plans.
80. Randomly place flowers in public restrooms.
81. Write Holiday cards to loved ones who have passed on.
82. Practice the art of laughing at your self.
83. Attempt your grandmas favorite cookies.
84. Rearrange a room in your house and enjoy your new view.
85. Visit a local animal rescue shelter.
86. Snuggle.
87. Try a new (lavender) coffee.
88. Listen to the birds each morning.
89. Watch the sunrise and set in one day.
90. Read a new book.
91. Read an old favorite.
92. Plan a lunch with friends. Kula Bistro in Upcountry Maui is a great spot.
93. Lavender scones for breakfast (and lunch and dinner)
94. Browse local craft fairs.
95. Plan healthy, nourishing meals.
96. Exchange massages with a loved one.
97. Say five nice things about yourself to yourself.
98. Talk with your family every day.
99. Take a drive to look at lights.
100. Listen to the wind, trees and rain.
101. Enjoy every moment. But remind yourself that if stress happens it’s temporary and is all part of the fun.
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We would love to hear more suggestions on ways to relieve holiday stress. Share your favorite ways in comments below and tag us in your social media posts getting this list of ways to relieve holiday stress done.