The holidays are here and for some it is the most wonderful time of the year. Not everyone enjoys the holidays but there is one thing almost everyone can agree on, the added stress! Just because you love the holidays doesn’t mean you don’t feel the added stress. And if you don’t really enjoy the holidays there is not doubt that you feel the added stress.
Let’s talk about 5 tips to relieve stress during the holidays.
- Dance to holiday music. Dancing is a wonderful way to let go of stress. You literally shake it off! Get double the fun and dance to some upbeat holiday music, it is that time of year after all. If you are shy dance in the shower or in your bedroom alone. No one has to know or see for you to reap the benefits. So, next time you’re feeling stressed crank the music and dance it out!
- Exercise outside. Exercise is an amazing stress reliever because it increases the surface area of the stress making it easier for your body to process. I suggest you get outside to exercise because the fresh air brings an added element. When you exercise outside the thermogenic affect in your body gets cranked up. This makes your exercise more affective because your body is working harder to preform the task at hand. I know in a lot of places that it is chilly during the holidays but I’m telling you the way you will feel after a brisk walk outside or whatever you choose to do, is so worth the discomfort. Even if it is as little as doing 10 jumping jacks, it doesn’t take much to get the benefit of exercising outside.
- Feed your body something nourishing. The holidays are probably the hardest time of year to stay on track with eating healthy. There are cookies and treats galore not to mention the parties and celebrations and all the food and drinks that go along with them! It is ok to indulge but indulging too much leaves your body yearning for nutrition. Don’t forget that food is fuel for your body. Eating a nourishing meal could be just what your need in the mist of all the holiday happenings and eatings. It is a great time of year for a healthy soup or grain bowl filled with leafy greens, squash, onions, garlic and any other veggies you like. It is amazing the affect a healthy meal can have on a stressed out body and mind.
- Take time to get quiet and focus on everything you have to be grateful for this season. If you are here on the planet, then you have something to be grateful for. Let this be your focus. It is so easy to get caught up in the holidays and forget that they are meant to be enjoyed. A time to bring to the front of your mind the many blessings you have and were blessed with this past year. Next time your feeling the stress of the holidays, pause and take a minute to refocus your energy on what you have to be grateful for. It will give you true prospective on the meaning of the season.
- Say NO. No is such a simple word. Whys is it so hard to say?! It’s because we feel bad turning something down. The reality is that your aren’t doing anyone any favors by agreeing to something you don’t want to do. You think you’re being polite by accepting an invitation to something you know you don’t want to go to but how polite is it to fake it or cancel last minute? We must always remember that putting yourself first is the best thing you can do for everyone! Being self-first isn’t selfish. It is allowing you to be your best, most well self which is best for everyone around you. Trust me on this. It may feel counterintuitive but just try it. See how it feels.
These are my 5 tips on how to relieve stress during the holidays. If you would like more, download my FREE guide on How to Stay Safe, Well, and Enjoy the Holidays:2020 Edition.
Until next time, stay well my friends!
