Easing Holiday Stress and Anxiety
The holiday season is a time for love, caring, and relaxation, but it can also be a very stressful time. Between worrying about gifts, watching your budget, and stressing about social functions and family gatherings, this can be a difficult time of year. Here are some tips that can help you deal with holiday stress.
Take Breaks
Even if you only have a minute or two, take a break, close your eyes, and take several deep breaths. This will help you relax and give you a moment to calm down and focus. It might not seem like much, but this short break can be incredibly helpful.
Exercise
It might be tough to find time during the busy holiday season, but exercise is a great way to help regulate your mood. Studies have shown that physical activity can boost your energy levels, elevate your mood, and reduce anger, fatigue, tension and confusion. Even a brief workout can be incredibly beneficial.
Watch What You Eat
This time of year is known for calorie-filled, high-sugar, low nutrient foods. While no one is saying that you’ll need to avoid holiday treats entirely, make sure that you consume healthy foods first. If you eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and lean protein, not only will it be easier to limit the number of treats you eat, but you’ll have more energy and be in a happier mood as well.
Say No
This is a busy time of year for almost everyone. While it might be nice to be able to attend every party, event, and gathering, doing so can also be incredibly stressful and tiring. That’s why it’s important to learn to say no sometimes. There are days when you might just want to take a break, get a moment to catch up, or just be by yourself. That’s perfectly understandable. Just tell people you can’t make it sometimes. It will be okay. Choose the events that matter the most to you and consider skipping the rest.
Avoid Screens
Too much screen time can cause you to feel tired, sore, and unwell. Plus, spending a lot of time on social media in particular has been shown to negatively affect your mood and your mental health. Give yourself some time away from your devices this holiday season. Go for a walk, read a book, or spend time with your loved ones instead. You’ll find it a lot more relaxing.
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