REDUCING STRESS DURING THE HOLIDAYS

HAVE A PLAN

This may seem like an obvious one, but having a plan going into the season makes all the difference in the world. Whether you use a physical calendar or your phone, make sure to write anything down that comes your way. Holiday party? Write it down. Need to buy a gift for a Yankee swap? Write it down. In charge of an appetizer? You get the gist. I have found having lists keeps me on track and accountable.

So you aren’t rushing everything last minute, set aside a day to get all your presents, whether it’s running to the mall or clicking buy now on Amazon. Set another day to wrap. Get it all over with and breath a sigh of relief!

GO FOR A WALK

The holiday season is full of booze, desserts and snacking. And you should enjoy every second of it! I usually find though, after a night of throwing back too many cookies, I usually feel like crap the next morning. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t sit and feel sorry for yourself. Get up, throw on those sneakers and go on a walk. Hit up a yoga class. Go on the treadmill. Even a 30-minute workout can change your mood for the day, make you feel lighter and lessen the guilt of having a few too many cups of eggnog.

STAY PRESENT

This season can fly by so fast. I spend all year looking forward to the holiday season (I really shine from October to January, I LOVE WINTER) and sometimes I feel like its almost over before we know it. After that aspect bumming me out, I made it a point to try to stay present. I’ll catch myself thinking ahead constantly and not living in the moment.

Next time you catch yourself stressed out thinking of what’s to come in the future – look around you. Take everything in. Take a deep breath and inhale the smell of oncoming snow in the air. The crisp, winter air. Look at all the lights. All the ornaments, the stories behind the hand made ones. Look at your family, and even if you want to punch some of them in the face, remember they’re YOURS and they love you. And you’re so lucky to be loved and be alive and healthy! I always feel so much better after doing this.

LEARN TO SAY NO

This is the season of giving. We all know that. Do you know what it’s not though? The season of saying yes to everything because you feel guilty. We’ve all done it. Said yes to a party when all you want to do is recharge, lay in bed and have some alone time. Agreed to gift swap when your bank account is giving you heartburn. Felt pressured into giving up your free time to someone who doesn’t deserve it.

STOP THAT. I know you feel bad saying no. I know you can get a burst of FOMO. You need to take care of yourself first! Saying no is not being rude, its not being inconsiderate, it’s about doing what’s best for you. You don’t need to justify yourself to anyone. If you don’t want to go to party? You don’t need a reason, just don’t go! You don’t want to spend with your racist relative whos mentally still living in 1945? DONT!! The best gift you can give to yourself is allowing yourself to be fully in charge of your own happiness.

SELF CARE BABY

2019 has truly been the year of embracing self-care and I am alllllll about it baby. After doing so much for other people this month, please take some time for yourself. Pop in your headphones, throw on a podcast or your favorite playlist and breathe. Take a nice hot bath or shower. You cant take care of other people if you arent taking care of yourself.

These are some things that make the Holiday season a bit easier for me. Some may work for you and some won’t, but as long as you’re taking care of yourself – you’re doing some good. Embrace the warmth of this season, the warmth of your friends and family and the warm feelings of love.

Happy Holidays!