5 super simple tips to relieve holiday stress
Well, it’s here…
“The most wonderful time of the year!”
At least that’s how many people refer to the holiday season. Others feel like it’s “the most stressful time of the year”. I tend to think of it as simply, “The most time of the year”.
Yep, The MOST time of the year.
Because everything feels amplified, doesn’t it?
The gatherings and events, the gift giving, the obligations…
It can all feel like A LOT.
I love the holiday season, I do.
I love the decorations, the traditions, and all of the celebrating.
But I don’t love the extra stress and sense of obligation that go hand in hand with all of the fun stuff. When I get stressed my self-care tends to go out the window. My routines get out of whack, my sleep gets disrupted, and my nutrition falls to the bottom of the list.
Does any of this resonate with you!?
I've noticed that over the past couple of years, whenever I'm feeling overwhelmed and my nerves are fried, I’ve leaned heavily on a handful of practices. These practices have ended up relieving a lot of stress. I've gradually become more gentle with myself than I used to be and I'm getting better at treating myself the way I'd treat a loved one going through a hard time.
I use the following five tips throughout the year but I find that they're especially helpful during the crazy holiday season.
5 super Simple Tips to Relieve Holiday Stress
Light
Water
Nature
Movement
Music
This is it! Just five simple things I incorporate into my days that make a world of difference. I’m confident they can help you too!
light
How can you incorporate more light into your day?
For those of us in the northern hemisphere, light is often scarce this time of year. The days are shorter and it’s easy to feel a sense of doom and gloom. Intentionally using light wherever and whenever we can really help our mood.
I always have a candle lit and have several battery-operated candles on at all times while I’m at home. I also have twinkle lights that I string up around the house and love to have a fire in the fireplace. It creates a cozy environment that also has lots of magical light sources.
If you struggle with seasonal affective disorder, adding a lightbox to your daily routine can also help tremendously!
Add light to your surroundings wherever and whenever possible!
water
How much water are you drinking each day?
I always try to drink plenty of water as it helps with my energy levels. I’m also prone to headaches and staying hydrated is essential to managing them.
I have a big Stanley water bottle that I sip on throughout the day. During the colder winter months, I drink lots of hot herbal tea. Since there’s no caffeine in herbal tea, I stay hydrated and nice and warm.
What are some simple ways that you can set yourself up for success in this area?
Drink plenty of water (cold, hot, or herbal tea) to stay hydrated!
NATURE
Can you get outside and enjoy nature for at least a few minutes every day?
Nature is so good for our bodies and souls. I walk my dog every day which automatically forces me to get outside even when I don’t want to.
If you’re lucky enough to live in an area where you can get outside in nature, make this a priority! But if it’s tough for you to get outside, bring elements of nature inside whenever you can. This can be as simple as buying an orchid from Trader Joe’s or looking out your window and noticing the leaves on a tree. You can also display artwork throughout your house that includes nature.
Nature has a way of calming and inspiring us. Immerse yourself in nature whenever possible.
MOVEMENT
What forms of movement feel good in your body?
Whether you’re an elite athlete or a couch potato at heart, it’s no secret that movement is essential for our well-being. It’s especially important to keep our blood flowing during busy, stressful times like the holidays.
But of course, the busy, stressful times are exactly when our movement goes out the window! This is definitely true for me and yet this time of year is exactly when I need to be reminded of the importance of moving my body.
A simple 10-minute walk around the neighborhood or dancing around the house to your favorite playlist count as movement.
So pick a form of movement that feels good in your body and start moving!
MUSIC
Music is such a powerful way to enhance our mood and shape the way we want to feel.
Low on energy?
Put on some upbeat tunes you can make dinner to while dancing around the kitchen.
Need some extra encouragement and inspiration?
Choose some of your favorite songs that immediately make you feel better.
I listen to music every single day. I notice that when I sing along to some of my favorite songs, my mood immediately improves.
Incorporate some of your favorite music every day!
The holidays can be full of added responsibilities, there’s often no way to avoid it. But with some effective tools, we can manage any crazy moments that arise and spend more time enjoying the season.
I hope these 5 simple tips help to relieve your holiday stress!
If you need extra help incorporating these tips into your daily life during this busy time of year, let’s connect for a complimentary 20-minute consultation and see if coaching is right for you. There’s never any pressure or obligation, just a great way for us to connect!
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