The holidays are just around the corner, and for many, that mix of excitement and stress is already creeping in. Work deadlines, family commitments, shopping lists… oh, and we’re supposed to find time to relax, right? Yeah, it can feel like a lot.
But let’s pause and focus on you for a change. We’ve rounded up 12 simple, doable self-care tips to help you survive the holiday rush and come out feeling better on the other side. Think of it as a little holiday gift to yourself. Trust us, it’s worth it!
Day 1: Clear the Clutter
Let’s start easy. First, take a look at your workspace. Does it feel calming, or are you wondering how that coffee cup ended up on your desk, surrounded by a mountain of papers? If it’s the latter, no worries—spend just 10 minutes tidying up. Afterward, consider adding a little holiday cheer, like a tiny tree, a candle, or whatever makes you smile. A clear space can do wonders!
Day 2: Create a Schedule
Holidays are a time warp. One second, it’s 8 a.m., and the next thing you know, it’s 10 p.m., and you’ve forgotten to eat. Does that sound familiar? If so, it’s time to grab a planner, your phone, or even a sticky note. After that, block out time for work, family, and you. Yes, you! Schedule 15–30 minutes for something that fills your cup—reading, walking, or even scrolling TikTok guilt-free. Life feels more manageable when you’re not flying blind.
Day 3: Sleep Like It’s Your Job
If you’ve been treating sleep like a luxury instead of a necessity, it’s time for a reset. No more “I’ll catch up on the weekend.” Create a bedtime routine: dim the lights, ditch the phone, and relax with something calming—a book or a podcast (maybe not one about true crime).
Day 4: Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Coffee fuels your mornings, sure. But water? That’s what keeps you from dragging by noon. Keep a water bottle within reach. Add a slice of lemon, cucumber, or even a splash of juice if plain water feels too boring. Your body and energy levels will thank you.
Day 5: Move Your Body
Exercise during the holidays sounds like a cruel joke. Who has time for that? Well, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to spend an hour per day at the gym. No, you can dance to your favorite holiday song, take a quick walk, or stretch while watching Netflix. You can make exercise fun!
Day 6: Set Boundaries
If you find yourself slipping from “just one more email” to realizing you’ve worked straight through dinner, it’s time to set some boundaries. You’re working from home, not living at work. Set clear start and stop times for work. Let colleagues know when you’re offline and stick to it. Your well-being should come first.
Day 7: Gratitude Check
Pause for a second. When’s the last time you stopped to appreciate what’s going well? Each evening, write down three things you’re thankful for. It’s amazing how focusing on gratitude can shift your mindset from “Ugh, everything’s a mess” to “Okay, maybe this isn’t so bad after all.”
Day 8: Connect with Your Loved Ones
The holidays are a time for connection, and while life can get busy, it’s the little moments with our loved ones that matter most. If you haven’t had an interaction with them in a while, take a moment to schedule a coffee date or a call. You can also shoot a text to check in. Either way, connecting with loved ones is important. Let’s enjoy these precious moments with them.
Day 9: Treat Yourself
Look, we know you’ve been hustling hard all year. But now’s the time to celebrate you. Don’t wait for someone else to buy you that treat or for the new year to start thinking about self-care. You’re worthy of it now. Take a long bath, enjoy your favorite holiday treat, or watch that cheesy holiday movie you love. Overall, it’s the small things that keep us going.
Day 10: Be Present
Ever catch yourself thinking “I’ll relax once I finish this one thing”? And then, suddenly, it’s two hours later, and you’re still working without really living. It happens to the best of us, but the holidays are a time to savor the moment. Pay attention to what’s happening around you—the laughter at the table, the smell of cookies baking, the cozy feeling of your favorite blanket. After all, these are the real magic of the season.
Day 11: Unplug and Breathe
It’s easy to feel like you’re “on” 24/7, especially with constant notifications and that ever-growing to-do list. But you’ve got to hit pause at some point to recharge. Set an out-of-office reply on your email, turn off notifications for a while, and walk away from your computer. You deserve a break. Self-care matters!
Day 12: Reflect and Reset
Before the new year rushes in, take a moment to reflect. Write down one thing you’re proud of this year and one thing you’d like to focus on next year. Not resolutions—intentions. What do you want to invite into your life?
Conclusion
In conclusion, life is a beautiful song to which we should all sing and dance. Enjoy every moment and remember to make time for yourself. You don’t have to work day and night. You are important and deserve to live a wonderful life. We hope you enjoyed reading 12 Days of Self-Care. What are your thoughts on this topic? Let us know in the comments below!
Finally, as a bonus day, which you can start right now, we encourage you to explore and apply for our career opportunities. At Job Duck, we believe success should complement your life, not complicate it. There should be balance, which we all deserve. That’s why we’re so excited to share career opportunities designed with you in mind. Check them out by clicking HERE!
