Manage Your Holiday Stress
While it’s the most wonderful time of year, for many of us, it’s also the most stressful time of year. Parties, shopping, baking, and entertaining during the holiday season can cause stress to peak, and in some cases, can eventually lead to a serious health problem, so it’s important to stay on top of our daily stressors. Here are a few ways to manage holiday season stress.
Plan Ahead
If you’re not much of a planner, now is a good time to start practicing good organizational skills. Make a to-do list of all the tasks that need to be done in order of importance. Don’t over-commit. Saying yes to every invitation might leave you feeling run down.
Don’t Neglect Your Diet
It’s easy to over-indulge during the holidays, but doing so will likely add to your stress. Be mindful of what you’re eating and drinking and remember to practice moderation. Try eating a healthy snack before a gathering, so you can avoid overeating.
Get Active
Be sure to exercise daily. It will help improve your mood and better equip you to manage stress. Don’t worry about the kind of exercise and how to fit it into your already busy day – even walking around the mall to shop can be a form of exercise!
Get Enough Sleep
If you’re not getting the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep per night, you’re setting yourself up for more stress. Sleep is one of the pillars of good health and without enough of it, our bodies just don’t function at their best. Stick to a firm bedtime and again, don’t over-commit yourself.
Breathe
It may seem silly at first, but setting aside time each day to do breathing exercises has been shown to significantly reduce and manage holiday stress. Here is a wonderful TED talk on the importance of breathing correctly and how to do it.
Get some help to manage holiday stress
Don’t let stress ruin the magic of the season for you. By planning and sticking to your healthy routines, you can combat stress before it takes a toll. Acupuncture treatment is a wonderful way to destress naturally. It gives your mind and body and a much-needed break from the hectic bustle of the holiday season.
