6 Budget-Friendly Ways to Stay Calm During Holiday Chaos

The holiday season can be a mix of joy, chaos, and peopling… lots of peopling! We often talk about preparing for the holiday season or finding ways to relax when it's all over. But what about when you're in it—when the hustle and stress start creeping in, and your body feels it too?

Here are six free and inexpensive tools to help us cope, even in the midst of the holiday madness:

Lupus holidays on a budget

1. Stretch it out

I don’t know about you, but my body registers stress quickly. When your joints and muscles feel the holiday tension, if you’re able, stretching can offer some relief. Find a quiet space and do a few simple movements that ease stiffness and improve circulation. Just taking a few moments to move my body works wonders!

2. Breathe it away

When holiday stress hits hard, deep breathing is my go-to. Stress can make you hold your breath, causing tension in the rest of your body. Set aside five minutes to focus on your breath. I personally use the box breathing method, and it has made a huge difference in stressful situations. It’s a small but effective tool you can use anytime.

3. Tap into your creative side

Taking a break from the chaos and tapping into your creative side can be both a solo and a group activity! Whether it’s journaling, coloring, or crafting, creating something with your hands gives your mind a break. And doing it with friends or family? That’s a bonus for bringing some fun and peace into the season.

4. Create a calming space with aromatherapy

Scents have such a powerful effect on mood and can reduce anxiety, perfect for us lupus warriors. A few drops of lavender oil, lemon oil, or maybe your favorite scented candle can create a calming environment and help you center yourself in the midst of the holiday hustle.

5. Tune into sound therapy

Lately, I’ve been turning to sound therapy for sleep and focus, and I’m pleasantly surprised by how effective it is. Binaural beats and noise therapy can create calm, whether you’re unwinding or trying to focus. Just step away, open a sound app or YouTube, and let the soothing sounds take over.

6. Call a friend or lupus warrior

Knowing you have a good friend or fellow lupus warrior just a call or text away is comforting, especially in the busyness of the season. Having someone you trust on standby can provide emotional support during the holiday rush. Whether it’s venting or sharing coping strategies, a quick check-in can make a world of difference.

I hope these tools help you reclaim your peace, even with the holiday madness. While it may not guarantee a stress-free holiday, any stress that can be relieved is a win in my book.