How To Unwind From Common Holiday Stressors, According to Your Zodiac Sign

The year is officially coming to a close…but not before a bunch of faux holly-jolly holiday stressors coming at you like merry little freight train. This year has been weird, for sure, and the way we’ll go about celebrating is sure to make it feel even weirder. From awkward virtual work parties and tense family conversations about following COVID-19 guidelines to enough Zoom gatherings to make you want cut off your internet connection until 2020 is finally over, you might well be over this season already. So, how are you supposed to make it through?

According to astrologer Carolyne Faulkner, some secrets for weathering the supposedly most wonderful time of the year involve gleaning secrets from your star sign. Below, she shares what each zodiac sign can expect in terms of yuletide burnout this year, plus her best practices maximizing self care as holiday stressors run rampant.

How to unwind from holiday stressors, according to your zodiac sign

Aries

Fiery Aries is a go-getter who will probably push themselves to crush every Q4 goal and then some. Nonetheless, it’s crucial that you don’t run yourself into the ground. Though you’re usually energized—and now is no exception—the burst of motivation you’re experiencing won’t fuel you forever. “It’s wise not to keep the foot on the pedal until the very last day of work, or you’re likely to become unwell,” Faulkner says.

Tip for coming down from holiday stressors: Slow down now, conserve energy, and practice slow yoga flows at home.

Taurus

For bulls who like to plan ambitiously for the year ahead, the best approach for minimizing holiday stressors is to organize a bit and sort of chill until 2021 is actually here. “Buy a new journal, download ideas and plans onto paper, and let them go until after the holidays,” Faulkner says.

Tip for coming down from holiday stressors: Plant seeds, and then let them grow a little before revisiting them. Cook from scratch, and even clear your space and partake in practical chores.

Gemini

Gemini is bound to have a million and a half holiday parties to go to this year (which is draining even when they’re all digital), but while you’re usually the center of attention, you may be phoning in the festiveness a bit. “Give yourself a break and steer your inner and outer conversations to be kind and loving as opposed to critical,” Faulkner says.

Tip for coming down from holiday stressors: Practice mindfulness, avoid engaging with low-vibe company, and be kind to yourself. You don’t have to have all the answers just yet.

Cancer

For Cancer, the answer to navigating a challenging year is to relax and accept. “Avoid blaming yourself or others for your journey thus far, and, little by little, change toxic habits, and crank up the optimism,” says Faulkner.

Tip for coming down from holiday stressors: Be grateful for all you have achieved, all you have, and all you are. Flip negativity to positivity, and allow the universe to come to your aid on the wings of gratitude.

Leo

Leo has been probably treating herself all season in order to get through this energetic rough patch. “Rest up this holiday, and avoid overspending in a bid to gain self-love and love from others,” Faulkner says.

Tip for coming down from holiday stressors: Give love to yourself and others without expectation, since expectations can lead to trouble. Play music, and release the flow of heart energy with movement.

Virgo

Virgo, you truly believe you can enjoy the most perfect and fulfilling holiday season—no matter what obstacles stand in your way. No matter what ensues, know that you can delegate. “Don’t miss out on the magic of the moment thanks to the need to control everything,” Faulkner says.

Tip for coming down from holiday stressors: Before you let yourself slip down the rabbit hole of over-analysis or panic, ask yourself: “Does this really matter?” You’d be wise to lighten up and crank up the laughter and happiness in your life.

Libra

Be honest, Libra: Are you looking forward to contentious chats with your family? If not, don’t take the bait and work to have tough conversations mindfully. “Now it’s important to heal any rifts and promote peace, ” says Faulkner.

Tip for coming down from holiday stressors:Walk the path of the peaceful warrior without totally sacrificing your sense of self. And choose your battles wisely.

Scorpio

Speaking of grudges, Scorpios are prone to feel dark and Scrooge-like during the holidays, and the transgressions and betrayals they’ve committed this year might be weighing on them as holiday invites roll in. Faulkner’s advice? Grant mercy and have fun, even if doing so goes against your nature.

“Empathy and forgiveness are life lessons of yours, and this learning has been amplified as of late,” Faulkner says. “Your intuition is empowered right now, so work on sitting still.”

Tip for coming down from holiday stressors:Let go of grudges (or help heal those who cannot), empathize, and then move on.

Sagittarius

“Don’t panic if you have not accomplished much on a worldly level,” says Faulkner. “Face yourself and reveal your true nature to release the shadow and shine the light.”

Tip for coming down from holiday stressors: Life has given you abundance and opportunity to grow by facing yourself. This will empower your soul and ensure you are on the right track on a deeper level. Avoid overindulgence and adopt moderation.

Capricorn

You should be fine, Capricorn, so long as you’re able to let go of structure. “It’s likely you’ve needed to work hard on all aspects of life this year,” Faulkner says. Prepare lightness to return.

Tip for coming down from holiday stressors: Take a break from any kind of schedule, and stay at home with your loved ones. Be gentle, boost your serotonin levels with jaunts in nature and exercise that includes natural light and oxygen-giving trees. Your life lesson this year has been kindness, to the self and others.

Aquarius

Block of time to stay in and relax; plenty of excitement lay ahead. “Unplug now, relax, and take time out or you’re likely to combust,” Faulkner says. “Say no to anything that doesn’t make your heart sing, and preserve your energy through the holiday season.”

Tip for coming down from holiday stressors: Unplug at a reasonable time, and take care of your mind with meditation. Escape into the art or music world.

Pisces

You’ve been locked up in daydreams for a while, Pisces, and your big hill to overcome this season is the possibility of stagnating. So, express yourself joyfully. “Your dreams are more likely to manifest now,” says Faulkner.

Tip for coming down from holiday stressors: Keep your spirits high and use art and music to express your feelings, avoid escapist behavior, and practice spirituality as a form of self-awareness.

Originally published December 2, 2019; updated November 12, 2020.