Everyone knows the holidays can be an incredibly stressful time. Sure, they’re fun and exciting too, but they can be quite overwhelming at the same time, and the joy of the season can easily get lost in the shuffle.
Here are 16 ways to de-stress during the holidays:
1. Set boundaries.
Don’t feel like you have to say yes to everything. You know yourself, so give yourself permission to say no to things that will add stress to your life.
2. Delegate.
Swallow your pride and ask for help! You’re only human, after all. Chances are, your family and friends will be happy to help you if you ask.
3. Uni-task.
Many people pride themselves on being multi-taskers, but having a number of things on your plate can actually add stress. Make a list and focus on knocking off one thing at a time.
4. Plan.
Spontaneity is fun and all, but don’t be unrealistic. Plan your holidays so things don’t get away from you or sneak up on you. This is especially important if you have kids that will be home from school on holiday break!
5. Get some fresh air.
Get outside and breathe the fresh air. If it’s cold, bundle up and do it anyway. It will do you good.
6. Laugh.
Don’t forget to be present and enjoy the season! Find the humour in the tiny disasters, dance in the kitchen, watch funny holiday movies, and channel your inner child.
7. Listen to music.
Create a holiday playlist. Those Christmas songs are good for the soul! Smile and reminisce about your happy holiday memories.
8. Eat healthy.
One of the best things you can do for your body is to eat healthy and drink lots of water. Stress contributes to a weakened immune system, and so do sugar, processed foods, alcohol, and other unhealthy foods. Stay healthy and you’ll feel more energised and ready to take on the day!
9. Get plenty of rest.
Besides eating right, getting enough rest will contribute dramatically to reduced stress levels. Do yourself a favour and get to bed at a reasonable hour each night. If you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed with a ton to do, you may feel obligated to stay up late, but that’s when you need sleep the most! Can it wait till tomorrow? Most likely, yes. (Then do all the other things listed above, like delegate and set boundaries.)
10. Be flexible.
This is not a time to be rigid or have unrealistic expectations. Everyone has plans over the holidays, so be flexible with others’ schedules. Things come up, you can’t always plan for everything – so roll with it and enjoy the moment.
11. Have some “me time”.
Don’t forget to take some time out for yourself, to reboot. Read, take a bath, go for a run, get a massage, enjoy a hobby – whatever helps you de-stress, do it.
12. Volunteer.
If you’ve got the holiday blues, maybe what you need is a change in perspective. Nothing helps recenter us like focusing on the needs of others. The holidays are the perfect time to escape the commercialism and stress, and focus on those less fortunate. Guaranteed, you’ll leave feeling better and more thankful!
13. Budget.
Spending can get out of control over the holidays. Set a budget ahead of time and stick to it.
14. Practice gratitude.
There’s always something to be thankful for. Remember that during stressful times, and count your blessings. You can’t be anything but happy when you’re grateful!
15. Don’t procrastinate.
Waiting till the last minute on things is a surefire way to up your stress levels. Plan ahead and get things done early if possible.
16. Exercise.
Probably one of the most important pieces of advice for reducing stress over the holidays is to exercise. Exercise has been proven to lower stress levels, boost the immune system, raise endorphins, and even fight depression.
