Feeling pre-holiday stress? Holiday prep without the panic, simple ways to feel calmer before, during and after your break

There is definitely a seasonal buzz in the air. Holidays are being booked, weekends away are being planned, and for many of us, there is something lovely about having a break to look forward to.

But alongside the excitement, pre-holiday stress holiday can also creep in more quickly than we expect.

With everything going on in the world at the moment, it is understandable if even planning a holiday feels a little more stressful than usual.

April is Stress Awareness Month, so it feels like the perfect time to talk about  pre-holiday stress and how we can approach holidays in a way that feels calmer, more spacious, and more enjoyable, before we even leave home.

Because the truth is, the time you have away can pass very quickly, and if you arrive feeling frazzled, overtired and under pressure, it can take days to properly switch off.

As an aromatherapist, I know there are some beautiful essential oils that can help support your wellbeing at this time of year, but it is not only about aromatherapy. It is also about mindset, preparation, and giving yourself permission to slow down.

Before you go, check your perspective

I remember one client booking in for a lovely relaxing facial and massage just before her holiday. When I asked what she was doing the next day, she said she was getting her nails done, going to the hairdressers, then meeting friends for lunch.

They all sounded like enjoyable things, but the way she listed them sounded rushed and pressured, almost like a set of chores.

When I pointed this out, she laughed and immediately agreed. She had not realised she was treating a day of pampering and socialising like another to-do list.

So many of us live in constant doing mode. We are juggling work, family life, messages, phones, social media, appointments, shopping, and all the little extras that seem to fill every spare moment. Even lovely things can start to feel like another task to complete.

If you notice this happening, pause and gently reset.

Ask yourself, is this really a chore, or is this something enjoyable that I get to do?

That small shift in perspective can make a big difference.

Aromatherapy tip

If you have Lemon essential oil, this is a lovely one to diffuse when your mind feels cluttered. Its fresh, bright aroma can help create a sense of clarity and lightness.

Make holiday preparation easier with small steps

One of the biggest causes of pre-holiday stress is leaving too much until the last minute.

Instead of trying to do everything in the final few days, spend just 10 minutes making a simple list and breaking it into small categories.

You might group tasks like this:

• Phone calls and bookings
• Shopping, online and in person
• Packing
• Pet care
• Travel arrangements
• Home preparation before you leave

Then look at how you can do things in the most efficient order, rather than making lots of separate trips or decisions.

Little bits of preparation done early can help you feel much calmer, and that matters. Stress does not only affect your mood, it can affect your sleep, your energy, your patience, and how much you enjoy the lead-up to your break.

Aromatherapy tip

Rosemary essential oil is one I often associate with focus and mental clarity. If you are doing your planning or getting organised, its fresh herbal aroma can be a lovely one to have nearby.

Try to protect your sleep before you travel

Pre-holiday stress can often show up most clearly the night before you travel. The night before a holiday is often not the most restful.

There may be excitement, last-minute thoughts, a bit of overthinking, or that feeling that you still have one more thing to remember. It is very common, especially when you have been doing a lot already.

A calm evening routine can help.  A few sprays of a gentle room and linen mist like Peace can help you unwind.

Or a warm bath/shower, switching off screens a little earlier, packing in good time, and creating a more restful atmosphere in the evening can all make a difference.

If your skin is feeling dry, tired or in need of some extra care before you go away, this can also be a lovely time for a body ritual.

A simple pre-holiday wind-down idea

After an evening bath or shower, massage Restore Luxury Body Oil into damp skin and take a little extra time with the application rather than rushing.

It is a beautiful way to slow down, nourish your skin, and turn a practical step into a calming ritual.

If you have been feeling run-down or stretched, these small moments of self-care can be surprisingly grounding.

Don’t forget your feet

We often think about skincare for the face and body before a holiday, but feet can get forgotten until the very last minute.

Whether you are packing sandals, walking more than usual, spending time barefoot, or simply wanting to feel more comfortable and cared for, it is worth giving your feet a little attention before you go.

Dry heels and rough skin can feel uncomfortable at any time, and even more so when you are away.

Using Renew Intensive Foot Cream for a few nights before your holiday can help soften and smooth hard-working feet so they feel more comfortable and cared for.

It is also lovely to take with you if you know you will be doing a lot of walking or want to treat your feet after busy days out.

While you’re away, be where you are

When you finally get there, give yourself permission to arrive properly.

Whether you are going away with loved ones, taking a solo break, or just enjoying a change of scene, one of the best things you can do is be present.

Notice:

• What you can see
• What you can hear
• What you can smell
• What you can taste
• What you can feel

I love taking photos, but it is so important to experience moments with your own senses too, not just through a screen.

You do not have to share every lovely detail instantly. Some things are more enjoyable when you simply let yourself be in them.

Aromatherapy tip

Frankincense essential oil is one of my favourites for creating a sense of pause. I love its grounding aroma and the way it encourages you to slow down and breathe a little more deeply.

Avoid overbooking your holiday

It can be tempting to fill every day with plans, excursions, meals out and activities, especially if you have been looking forward to the break for a long time.

But rest matters too.

I still remember the first holiday I went on with my husband, where we planned something for every single day. By the end of the week, we felt like we needed another holiday to recover.

A break does not have to be packed full to be meaningful.

Sometimes the most restorative moments are the simple ones, a slower breakfast, an unplanned walk, reading in the shade, an early night, or just time without rushing.

If Stress Awareness Month reminds us of anything, it is that rest is not a luxury. It is part of looking after ourselves well.

Soothe skin after sun, travel and long days out

Holidays can be wonderful for the soul, but they can sometimes leave skin feeling dry, weather-exposed, or in need of a bit more comfort, especially after sun, sea, air travel, or long days outdoors.

This is where a nourishing body oil can really come into its own.

Restore Luxury Body Oil is a beautiful one to keep on hand for skin that feels in need of replenishment and softness after a day out. It is ideal when you want to give your skin some extra care and turn that post-shower moment into something a little more restorative.

A few simple ways to make your holiday feel more restorative

Here are a few gentle reminders if you want your break to feel calmer and more nourishing:

1. Do a little preparation early, rather than all at once
2. Watch how you are speaking to yourself about your plans
3. Leave breathing space in your days
4. Protect your sleep where you can
5. Pack a few comforting self-care essentials
6. Remember that slowing down is allowed

A few Just Be Natural favourites for holiday season self-care

If you are preparing for a trip, a staycation, or simply wanting to feel a bit more cared for this season, these are lovely ones to have to hand:

Renew Intensive Foot Cream

Ideal for dry, tired feet before sandal season and after long walks.

Restore Luxury Body Oil

A beautiful option for nourishing skin after bathing, showering, travel, or time in the sun, and a great addition to your wind-down routine.

De-Stress Aroma Roll On

A handy companion for journeys, busy days, or moments when you need a little calm on the go.

Clear Aroma Roll On

An ideal blend of Lavender and Peppermint to help calm insect bites, or soothe sunburn if you get caught out and help you feel more awake after an indulgent evening.

Final thoughts

Holidays are meant to help us feel refreshed, restored and more like ourselves again.

A little planning, a gentler mindset, and a few simple rituals can help you enjoy not just the holiday itself, but the lead-up to it as well.

And that matters, especially during Stress Awareness Month, when so many of us are being reminded just how important it is to notice stress earlier and support ourselves more kindly.

Wishing you a calm, happy and restorative holiday season.

Take a look at my holiday self-care favourites if you would like a few gentle, practical additions to support calmer travel and nourished skin this season.

Warm wishes,
Louisa