The Holidays can be a stressful time of year to say the least, the shopping and the busy crowds, and the anxiety of hosting and cooking. Sometimes we just need some quick reminders of what the Holidays are really all about, and maybe we need to adjust our holiday expectations. The Holidays should be a time for reflection, a time to be grateful for everything we have and all the people around us. I have compiled my favorite top 5 tips and tricks for staying sane this holiday season, I hope you will find them helpful!
- Walking/Hiking During the Day – To help with Seasonal Affective Disorder spend some time outside on a sunny day. Sunlight will help to stimulate the production of serotonin. Walking also has a tranquilizing effect on your brain and it will help to decrease anxiety and may even improve sleep. There is nothing I love more than a hike right after a snowstorm!
- Do Less, Enjoy More – We have a tendency around the holidays to go overboard trying to please others. Whether it is buying presents or worrying about sending out holiday cards. Sometimes we need to worry more about ourselves and say no to things that are not priorities. Your in-laws are not going to judge you because you have a pile of laundry sitting on your stairs, leave the laundry and curl up with a good book! No one is as hard on you as yourself.
- Forget Perfection – This one is hard for me personally, but as a mother of two small children it has become a necessity. The gingerbread man might be missing an arm, but he still tastes yummy! My holiday cards may or may not have a little spot of pasta sauce on them, but hopefully the recipients welcome the extra bit of love! Sometimes it is important to take a step back and realize there is perfection in the imperfections.
- Put Down the Technology – This one is also hard, it is easy to get wrapped up in what everyone else is doing, but constantly checking your phone can be exhausting! Try putting the technology down and be mindful of what really matters. Enjoy spending time with the people who mean the most to you and forget about the rest!
- Turn up the Tunes – “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!”, I have this quote framed in my kitchen because I love it so much! My three-year-old has taken this quite seriously and has not stopped singing Rudolph for almost two weeks now. Research does show that listening to your favorite music will help you relax, so bring on the holiday tunes!
Health.com 25 Ways to Fight Holiday Stress
