Holiday season is always a wonderful time of year. It’s also a time when we have lots of “to dos” to get done so it can be a little stressful if you’re rushing around getting last minute presents, decorations or food for additional guests.
Instead of falling into the “stress trap” here are some things you can do to ensure that you have a stress free, healthy and happy holiday season.
Create A Plan:
Having a plan of action is helpful so that you are aware of what needs to get done by when. You can be strategic with your plan making sure the biggest and most important tasks get done first and follow up with the ancillary tasks. Additionally allocate tasks to family members and friends so that you don’t get stuck doing all the tasks on your own.
Manage Stress:
Don’t sweat the small stuff! This time of year is about sharing and caring. It’s not about things needing to be perfect. If you end up having an impromptu get together with friends, remember to relax your focus away from your “to do” list and enjoy their company. Having fun with friends and family is a good way to de-stress.
If you find you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, stop and take a break. Burn some essential oils to lift your spirit and also to calm and soothe you. Soak your stress away in a warm relaxing bath. Do some yoga stretches and forward bending poses to calm down your nervous system, you can also meditate, do some breath work or listen to your favorite “time to chill” music.
Make Time For Exercise:
Exercise is great for keeping fit, in shape as well as reducing stress. Even if it’s cold outside, rug up and go for a brisk walk or go for a run, go do a class such as boxing, Pilates or a dance class. Schedule a session with a trainer and do resistance training or Cross Fit. Exercise helps to pump your body full of endorphins, the “feel good” hormones so keep moving to give you that healthy glow and to optimize well-being.
Drink Plenty of Water:
Holiday season whether you’re in the Northern Hemisphere where it’s cold or in the Southern Hemisphere where it’s Summer and the temperatures is on the warm or hot side, it’s important to drink plenty of water and keep hydrated. If you’re running around doing a lot of errands make sure to carry a bottle of water with you so you can keep track of how much water you’re consuming. Being indoors with heating, or outdoors in a hot climate leads to dehydration without you even noticing it, so top up on water consumption. Sipping herbal tea is also a great way to soothe your digestive system and take time out to sit, relax and unwind. Choose teas like peppermint, spearmint, chamomile, rose, passionflower, green tea, lemon balm or ginger root.
Make Healthy Food Choices:
When celebrating during the holidays there are lots of opportunities to eat and drink differently from your usual routine. Holiday season is not about depriving yourself of having the things you love to eat and drink it’s about making healthy choices. If you’re going to consume foods containing lots of sugar or drinking alcohol, make sure to eat plenty of good quality protein (e.g. meat, poultry, fish) and fat (e.g. organic olive oil, organic butter and ghee, organic coconut oil) prior to consuming them so that it reduces the “sugar” spike in your blood.
Additionally, being sensible with the portions you eat and drink also helps your body metabolize the nutrients it needs rather than storing what it doesn’t need maintaining your overall health and wellness.
Get Plenty of Rest:
Make sure you get plenty of rest in between going to family gatherings, office drinks, dinner with friends and parties. If you’re burning the midnight oil either because you have social engagements or you’re putting the finishing touches together for your family festivities make sure to factor in getting in some extra rest to make up for it. Taking an afternoon nap, curling up with a good book or going to bed earlier for a few nights will help your body recharge, repair, restore and rejuvenate yourself. You may also want to book yourself in for a massage or treat yourself to a spa day.
Healthy Holiday Traditions:
Do fun activities involving you, your family and friends. You can turn what may be time consuming on your own, into a fun evening or event by inviting a few friends over for a meal, or wine & cheese, have some lively music playing and then you all help with decorating the house and/or wrapping presents.
You can also get your kids or family members to come together and prepare food and/or bake with you. Turn on your favorite music, dance and sing while cooking and you’ll turn up the “joy” factor in your kitchen.
Spend Time With People You Love:
Spending time with people that you love is a gift and the greatest that you can give to others is your time. This holiday season make sure that you get to spend time with your nearest and dearest and if your family is overseas, make sure to give them a call or video chat with them to spread the love and joy.
Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy & Healthy New Year!
