11 Ways to Manage Holiday Stress
For far too many, “tis the season to be jolly” is a bunch of fa la la. But it doesn’t have to be.
The holidays can be one of the more stressful times on the calendar, when those who recently have lost loved ones may become acutely aware of their loss; when financial woes, health issues, family tensions or even just the pressure to make the season perfect can turn a time of joy into a time of misery.
But although you may not be able to change the stresses and anxieties that accompany the holiday season each year, you certainly can change your response to them.
Here are some handy tools that can help.
Seek balance between what is meaningful to you during the holidays and what feels like an obligation and decide on a realistic plan to accomplish a little of both.
Just say no to activities you really don’t enjoy.
Just say yes to activities that make you happy.
Forgive yourself if things don’t turn out perfectly.
Forgive others if they don’t do it the way you wanted.
Allow yourself to grieve for those you’ve lost and don’t feel guilty for enjoying the moment despite that loss.
Combat the darkness of the season’s shorter days by making it a point to enjoy the daylight; get up earlier and open the curtains.
Exercise is a natural way to help you relax and rejuvenate both your body and your brain. Even a 30-minute walk each day can help reduce stress, relieve muscle tension and boost your mood.
Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for revitalizing and restoring the physiological processes that keep the body and mind healthy and functioning properly.
Meditation is an effective way to sit quietly, shut out the chaos around you and help trigger your relaxation response.
Eat leisurely and well by scheduling time for your meals, and make sure to maintain optimal health by including in your regular diet fermented foods such as fermented vegetables or taking a high-quality probiotic supplement. Optimize your vitamin D levels by eating fatty fish, mushrooms or some orange juices.
Choosing the right perspective during the holidays helps us remember that the joy behind these days is all about being together with loved ones and the remembrance of the reason of the season. So, use the tools wisely and find comfort in knowing that you are a call away from nutritional response testing, to bring into the light where the cause of your stress-related symptoms might be coming from. Call 321-482-0345 or visit our website to make an appointment.
