3 Tips To Avoid Stress This Holiday Season
The holidays are here! A time to celebrate with family and friends. But, it’s also a busy time of year that can lead to an overload of holiday stress. After all, you likely have several invitations to gatherings, a long list of people you need to send cards to. Not to mention the daunting task of braving the shopping mall crowds. All of this, on top of your normal every day life. It can be overwhelming to say the least. I wanted to share with you some of my favorite ways to navigate this busy, stressful time of year and make this season a lot more enjoyable.
Some of my favorite ways to beat holiday stress include:
1. Doing my best to be present.
It can be difficult, I understand. It’s almost a reflex to pick up our phones and scroll through Facebook or our email when we have a free moment. One way I like to dodge this is to leave my electronics in another room. Don’t even allow yourself the temptation to pick up your phone and disengage from communicating with your gathered love ones. When I’m feeling particularly scatter-brained, what really helps ground me is focusing on my senses. What do I smell? Hear? Feel? Stopping and thinking through what’s going on around you at that very moment really brings you into the present moment unlike anything else. It’s a wonderful tool to use to dial in and be present – and is a great tool to use year-round, not just during the holidays!
2. Giving up those expectations.
A lot of the holiday stress we put on ourselves this time of year lies in the notion that we expect things to be perfect. That’d be lovely, of course – but putting your entire extended family in one house is bound to have something go awry. Therefore, dropping the expectations of perfection will allow you to be prepared for when something may spring up. There is joy to be found in each situation, so even when things don’t go exactly as planned – spend your energy finding gratitude in your circumstances and enjoying as much of your time as you possibly can. Tis the season!
3. Finding time to move.
It’s incredibly important to keep movement in your schedule, no matter how busy you may feel. Even if it’s just a brisk walk after lunch or dinner. Bundle up and go for a walk – alone to clear your mind, or with someone you enjoy being around. Be sure that you are getting your time outside in nature, breathing in fresh air, while burning off some calories and keeping your heart rate up.
Want more tips to help you beat holiday stress? Check out these Happy, Healthy Holiday Tips!
If you have someone on your holiday shopping list that’s a bit stressed out they might like a Lavender Eye Pillow.