The holiday season can be a busy, stressful time for even the most jolly folk. Work events, kids concerts, friend get-togethers and family gatherings can make for a jam-packed schedule over the holiday season. In order to keep this time of year enjoyable, it is important to keep everything in moderation and to manage your stress.
Keeping our stress under control can help us to avoid getting frazzled, angry and anxious. There are already so many treats and temptations at this time of year and excess stress is a contributing factor in weight gain. Stress is also likely the reason you’re tossing and turning at night, impacting your sleep quality and leaving you drained and exhausted. The increased stress of the holiday season can also spike your blood pressure and leave it elevated, aggravating hypertension. Managing stress can help with chronic health issues, and help prevent tummy aches or headaches. Thus leaving you free to have a good time!
Here are our top 10 ways to keep your stress under control during the holidays this year:
1: The art of saying NO
Over scheduling is a common cause of stress and anxiety. With so many events and gatherings, you don’t have to do it all. Figure out what you really are looking forward to vs. what you feel obliged to attend. Focus on what makes you happy and try to avoid the ones that don’t bring you joy. Your time and happiness is valuable, so spend it wisely.
2: Consume responsibly (Food and Drink)
We all recognize that overeating, particularly unhealthy foods, and overindulging in alcohol is harmful to our health. Try to stay within healthy guidelines for responsible drinking. A hangover can cause you to miss out on enjoying other events and leave us feeling ill.
Try serving yourself a little of everything, you can always come back for seconds. If you are struggling to eat healthy, grab a salad or fruit for a healthy snack between activities. Also, don’t forget to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated!
3: Managing Family Stress
Seeing and spending time with family can be enjoyable, indulging in nostalgic traditions and reconnecting. Some folks find this time to be stressful, so take care of your mental well-being. If you need a break or a breather, go for a quick walk outside. You can call a friend to gain perspective on family drama or just someone you enjoy talking to. Try some breathing exercises. Stepping away from the situation can help you from spiralling when anxiety gets triggered.
4: Manage Gift Giving
Having a budget and sticking to it both help prevent post-holiday financial shock and reduce the feelings of being obliged to spend beyond your means. Homemade goodies or gifts can show a level of care and thoughtfulness that is often much appreciated. If you are crafty or enjoy baking, this can also help combine activities that make you happy.
5: Avoid Procrastination
Leaving everything to the last minute is a recipe for disaster. Rushing around at the last minute is stressful. Panic while trying to complete all your tasks before the holidays is not the ideal way to achieve a low stress season. Try doing a little each day to relieve the load at this time of year. You can intersperse with things for yourself like self-care or relaxation time to keep your stress on an even keel. It will feel so good at holiday time knowing that everything is complete and you can just enjoy yourself!
6: Don’t forget your routine self-care
Keeping up with your routine can maintain a sense of normality at this time of year. With hectic schedules, keeping up with the activities that help you feel good are a great way to manage stress. Get your massage or chiropractic adjustment. Get your sweat on at the gym or your weekend hike. Taking care of yourself will make a huge impact on your mental and physical well-being.
7: Mediate
Mindfulness, meditation, yoga, guided breathwork. Calming our mind and body can reduce stress and anxiety. It can also promote psychological well-being. There are many types of yoga styles, so find one that works for you. There are also a plethora of meditation/mindfulness apps that can help quiet your mind and connect you to your breathing.
8: Take Time to Relax
Watching a favorite holiday movie or reading a familiar book can be a great way to relieve stress and anxiety. The familiar can remind us of how we felt when we first watched a favorite movie, maybe of a less complicated time of our lives. It’s important to have some stillness in between cooking, cleaning, shopping, etc. so as not to burn ourselves out this season.
Acupuncture is another great way to regulate your nervous system and give it a reset. Balancing your Qi can help you feel refreshed and grounded, and it’s oh so relaxing. You could even take a nap!
9: Manage Your Travel
Travel can be treacherous in winter conditions or hectic managing flights. Plan ahead so as to have plenty of contingency time so you arrive safe and with less anxiety. Check the road and weather conditions so you can be prepared to navigate the conditions. Try to schedule events that minimize rushing back and forth, with hours of driving time. If the airport, try some simple stretches to keep those aches and pains from traveling to a minimum. If you need some tips you can check out this blog: Travel Without Aches and Pains.
10: Know Your Limits and Reach Out For Help
The holiday blues are a common thing this time of year. If you are experiencing extreme anxiety or depression, this should not be ignored. Therapy, counseling and medication are all tools that can help manage your mental health. If you are experiencing struggles this season, talk to your primary care provider.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call 310-6789 for BC Mental Health & Crisis Response.
If you are having suicidal thoughts call or text 9-8-8 for the National Suicide Crisis Helpline.
Take care of yourself this season and reach out to book an appointment at Evolve if you need some self-care this year. Happy holidays!
To book a chiropractic appointment with Dr. Kathryn Baker or any of our other fantastic practitioners click here or email us at info@evolvevancouver.ca.
Please note that any advice in this article doesn’t replace personalized medical advice from a professional.