We're only a couple of weeks out from Christmas. I admit that the holiday has snuck up on me this year since I've been preparing for a big trip to Rwanda and South Africa. We'll be celebrating the holiday early with family since we won't be in town on Christmas.
While in theory the holiday season should be a time of joy, there can be a great deal of stress that comes along with the added activities, travel, parties, and time with family.
Use these tips to help you cope with the stress of the holidays, and maintain healthy habits.
Take time to breathe - When we get wrapped up in the “go, go, go” mentality of the holidays, we sometimes forget to breathe. Your body reacts to your breath. You might notice that when you're stressed, you take short, shallow breaths. But, when you're relaxed, you naturally take longer, deeper breaths. When you're feeling stressed, pause and take three to five deep breaths.
Set boundaries and say no when necessary - Do you tend to power through the holiday season without realizing how depleted you've become? It’s important to set clear boundaries with work, friends, and family. Don't over-commit during the holidays, because it will catch up with you in the long run. Don’t say yes when it means jeopardizing your own well-being.
Get enough sleep - Sleep is one of the most important factors in our overall health. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night. Use this guided meditation that I posted on Insight Timer to help settle your mind before going to bed.
Do something good for your mind, body, and spirit - Get a massage, take an epsom salt bath, or practice gentle yoga. Firefly's New Year Restorative Yoga & Journaling Workshop on Tuesday, January 7 is a great opportunity to practice letting go and opening the heart. We'll join in yoga, meditation, and journaling to reflect on learnings from the past year, and outline your intentions for the future. Register for $25 here.
Focus on healthy habits - Treat yourself with kindness by engaging in activities and habits that are good for your overall wellbeing. Use our 12 Days of Wellness calendar for ideas of actions you can take to maintain your physical, mental, and emotional health in the days leading up to the holiday.
I hope these tips help you keep a sense of peace and calm through the holiday season.
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