Holiday Stress at Work: 5 Simple Ways to De-Stress This Season
- Nurture Chair Massage
- Nov 11, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Feeling overwhelmed by the holidays? You’re not alone. The end of the year can bring a special kind of holiday stress at work (and at home). Between gift shopping, family gatherings, work deadlines, and travel plans, it’s no surprise that stress levels often skyrocket. In fact, nearly 9 in 10 Americans report feeling stressed during the holidays, with financial pressures and family dynamics among the top stressors.
The good news? With a few mindful wellness tips (and maybe a relaxing chair massage), you can ease that holiday stress and actually enjoy the season a bit more.
Quick Relief: If your workplace could use a stress-busting break this season, consider booking an on-site chair massage for your team as a special holiday treat.
Feeling the holiday stress at work? Give your team a real reset.
Book on-site chair massage with Nurture Chair Massage and we’ll bring everything to your workplace.
Why the Holiday Season Can Be Stressful
First, remember that you’re not alone in feeling tense this time of year. The holidays pile on extra tasks and expectations. You might worry about affording gifts or hosting the “perfect” celebration – all while missing loved ones who can’t be there. It’s also a busy period at work for many, as projects wrap up before year-end. This perfect storm of money concerns, family commitments, and time crunches can leave anyone frazzled. Recognizing these triggers is the first step toward managing them.
5 Simple Tips to Ease Holiday Stress
Try these strategies to keep stress in check and reclaim some holiday cheer:
Plan Ahead and Prioritize. You don’t have to do everything or please everyone. Avoid overscheduling – decide which events and traditions mean the most to you, and kindly decline the rest. Set a budget for gifts and stick to it so financial worries don’t weigh you down. By planning ahead (and letting go of perfection), you’ll feel more in control of your time and money, making the season far less hectic.
Keep Up Healthy Habits. It’s tempting to abandon your routines in December, but taking care of your body is key to managing stress. Try to get enough sleep, stay hydrated, and squeeze in a bit of exercise (even a brisk walk) to burn off tension. Enjoy holiday treats in moderation, and don’t forget to breathe – a few deep breaths or a short meditation each day can help you stay centered when things get chaotic.
Take Short Relaxation Breaks. When you feel stress mounting, give yourself permission to pause. Step away from the crowd or your desk for 5–15 minutes to reset. You might do some gentle stretches, listen to calming music, or practice mindful breathing. Even better, if you have the chance, get a quick massage – it can release muscle tension and quiet a racing mind almost instantly. Many companies (including some in the Sacramento area) bring in on-site chair massage therapists as a holiday treat for employees. If your company offers wellness perks like that, take advantage! A 10-minute chair massage can lower physical stress markers (like heart rate and cortisol) and leave you feeling refreshed.
Set Boundaries and Manage Expectations. Holiday gatherings and work parties can be wonderful — but they can also be sources of stress, especially if there are tense relationships or endless obligations. Remember that it’s okay to say no. Set gentle boundaries to protect your peace: limit the time you spend in challenging situations, and don’t be afraid to step outside for a breather if conversations get heated. Managing others’ expectations (and your own) can prevent a lot of holiday friction. Focus on what really matters to you, and let go of the rest.
Lean on Your Support Network. The holidays can stir up loneliness or grief along with joy. Make time to connect with people who lift you up – whether that’s friends, family, or supportive coworkers. Share how you’re feeling with someone you trust; sometimes just talking it out over a cup of coffee can lighten the load. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider reaching out to a counselor or support group. Remember, seeking help is a form of self-care too. You’ll likely find that others are going through similar feelings during the holidays, and you don’t have to navigate it all alone.
How On-Site Chair Massage Eases Holiday Stress at Work
Stress isn’t just mental – it lives in our bodies, showing up as tight shoulders, knotted necks, and tension headaches. One quick way to release that built-up pressure is through a chair massage. You might be surprised how much calmer and looser you feel after just 10–15 minutes of focused muscle relief. Research shows that even a brief chair massage can trigger a relaxation response in the body – lowering blood pressure and reducing levels of cortisol (the stress hormone). It’s like hitting the reset button on your nervous system when things get frantic.
Why try a quick massage? Here are a few ways an on-site chair massage can help your team relax:
Instant Relief: Even a short session triggers deep relaxation, lowering heart rate and stress hormones almost immediately.
Release Tension: Focused massage loosens up those knotted neck and shoulder muscles that build up from long work hours and holiday anxiety.
Boost Morale: Bringing massage into the office shows employees you care about their well-being. It’s an easy wellness perk that leaves everyone feeling appreciated and recharged.
And for employers – including many here in Northern California – on-site chair massage is an easy win for any employee wellness program. It shows your team that their well-being is a priority and helps everyone de-stress together. Whether you book a rejuvenating break for yourself or bring in a therapist for a company wellness event, a little massage session can make a big difference in how everyone handles holiday pressures at work.
Give your team the gift of calm this season.
Schedule an on-site chair massage day with Nurture Chair Massage and help employees recharge during the busiest time of year.
