Don't get us wrong — we love visiting family over the holidays [1]. But basically no one is immune to that one aunt asking why you're not dating anyone, your grandpa and brother arguing about politics, or your parents or in-laws nagging you about something. It doesn't matter how jolly you're feeling — chances are there's gonna be at least a little stress [2].
Just because you're leaving home doesn't mean you have to leave self-care behind. In fact, traveling with these essentials [3] will help better prepare you to take on any and all family situations with grace and ease. Plus, they fit flawlessly into a carry-on and take up very, very little room! And if all else fails — head outside for a run [4].
Running Shoes
Toss a pair of your favorite sneakers in your suitcase. Even if you don't have a workout planned, you might have to step out to get some air — and a cool run in the neighborhood or nearby trail could help clear your head. We love the APL Techloom Pro Metallic Mesh Sneakers [6] ($160) for a style that looks as good on a run as it does with casual everyday clothes. Gotta have that versatility, you know?
CBD Capsules
Your secret weapon against stress and anxiety this holiday season: CBD. This travel-ready natural supplement comes from hemp and completely eliminates feelings of stress and worry. The CW Hemp Simply Hemp Capsules [7] ($35) come in 15 and 35 milligram doses so you can choose what works best for your body — and stress levels.
Essential Oils
An on-the-go oils kit is the perfect companion for holiday tension and stress and can bring a little more joy to the season. This sweet little set is like an all-natural first-aid kit. With peppermint for headaches, digestion aids (excellent for when you get a stressed tummy), and stress and pain relievers like lavender, you can easily toss the Saje Pocket Farmacy [8] ($60) in your bag (or your pocket!) and you'll have all the bases covered.
Therapy Ball Set
We all carry tension in different places — many times the hips and shoulders! These little therapy balls will help give you a deep-tissue massage, wherever you are, whenever you want. The Tune Up Fitness Therapy Ball PLUS Pair [9] ($15) comes in a convenient little sachet you can stash in your suitcase while you're traveling for the holidays.
Journal
Need to sneak away and get some feelings out? Grab a journal! The Fitlosophy "Goal Getter" Journal [10] ($17) has daily sections that lead with the same question: what are you grateful for? It'll help you focus on the positive while reflecting on your mood and energy so you can fight stress with positivity.
Aromatherapy Mist
Give yourself a spritz of this Yuni Beauty My OM World Aromatic Body Mist [11] ($9) when you need that savasana feeling but you're 3,000 miles from your yoga studio. In a 1.7-ounce size, it's perfectly carry-on friendly.
Headphones
Tune out of whatever's stressing you out and into something peppier (or more zen, like this meditation playlist [12]) with some Bluetooth headphones. We love the custom-fit Fitbit Flyer Headphones [13] ($130).
Mini or USB Diffuser
We know you can't fit a full-blown diffuser into your suitcase (or maybe you can . . . if so, congrats), so throw this tiny little USB in instead. The Young Living USB Diffuser [14] ($23) can plug into your laptop computer, into a port in your car, or in the guest bedroom. Aromatherapy, anywhere!
Resistance Bands
You might be far from your gym or your favorite studio, and you might be in a rural area with NO studios for you to try. But it's going to be OK. The Tone It Up Booty Bands [15] ($12) take up basically zero room in your luggage but can help you create a full-blown strength-training circuit wherever you might be.