It's no secret that the "most wonderful time of the year" is also often the most stressful. The holiday season may bring lots of joy, but it can also mean coming face-to-face with financial strain, tense family relationships, and endless to-do lists. Friends, don't fret: There's hope. You can make things a bit easier by taking extra care of yourself during the holidays.
It's no secret that the "most wonderful time of the year" is also often the most stressful. The holiday season may bring lots of joy, but it can also mean coming face-to-face with financial strain, tense family relationships, and endless to-do lists. Friends, don't fret: There's hope. You can make things a bit easier by taking extra care of yourself during the holidays.
Get outside and break a sweat.
Unplugging to spend some time in nature is a great way to slow down overwhelming thoughts and reconnect with the present moment. A nice walk in the park—or even just around the block—can help remind you what really matters to you. It's even better if you can find a way to squeeze in some extra exercise while you're out, because endorphins are your BFF in times of stress.
Focus on gratitude.
Remind yourself of everything that makes your life wonderful, and of exactly why you appreciate those things. Every morning (or just when you're feeling extra low), jot down a few things that you're grateful for. You may even enjoy sending a thank-you note to someone you love, or baking them a few extra holiday cookies.
Meditate.
That people experiencing extra stress set aside three to five minutes every morning to "[meditate] on what you appreciate in life, and plan time throughout the day to do nice things for others."
Don't feel guilty for needing downtime.
In this 24/7 world, most of us are constantly on the go. Mix in a whirlwind of holiday parties and gift shopping, and that breakneck pace becomes even more difficult to maintain. It's completely human—and healthy—to take periodic breaks to rest up. "Build in some extra downtime to recharge your inner battery," "Be sure to get enough sleep to repair your system." Aim to get 7.5 to 9 hours of shut-eye each night.
Watch or listen to things that bring you joy.
It's hard to remember now, but at one point, you'd never heard the words "bills" or "work deadlines" before, and this season was solely about candy canes and whimsy. Take yourself back to the holidays of your childhood by carving out time to enjoy things that make you happy. "Put together a positivity playlist, with songs that inspire you or help you unwind,"
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