The holiday season can be filled with joy and happiness as you gather with friends and family to celebrate. But it can also bring a lot of unwanted stress, anxiety, and depression. From chaotic shopping trips to mandatory company holiday parties, there seem to be endless challenges that can be detrimental to your mental health.
Focusing on your mental health and maintaining a positive mindset isn't always a priority, but it is vital to ensure you are comfortable and happy as you navigate the season. These tips can help you better communicate your needs, set boundaries, and prioritize self-care to reduce the holiday stresses and make it through the season unscathed.
Get Enough Sleep – It might be busy, but it's essential you get enough rest. Sleeping has a profound impact on your physical and mental health. Getting at least 7 hours of sleep can help you improve your mood and help you to feel refreshed and ready to take on the day.
Manage Your Time – It's unavoidable, but there will be gatherings, holiday parties, and events you will be asked to participate in. Create a plan for your month, try to stick to your routine as closely as possible, and be realistic about what you can take. Rather than try to fit everything in, choose meaningful events and gatherings to connect and visit with those close to you.
Take Time to Meditate – Meditation can do wonders to help reduce stress and anxiety and help you relax amidst the holiday hustle and bustle. It can allow you to look within to find calm and appreciation for the people around you and help you find what brings you joy in the holiday season. It doesn't have to be long. It can be as short as 10 minutes out of your day to experience deep rest and rejuvenate your body and mind.
Maintain Your Healthy Routine – During the holidays, be sure to stick to your exercise routine, even if it's just taking 30-minute walks outside or on the treadmill. Physical activity is essential for your mental health and keeping your dopamine and endorphin levels up to boost your mood and reduce holiday stress.
Practice Yoga – Practicing yoga incorporates meaningful stretching and breathing techniques that can be a powerful way to relieve tension in your body and mind. Stretching your muscles relieves pent-up tension and soothes aches and pains caused by stress. Partnered with breathing techniques that increase oxygen flow, it can calm your nervous system and help bring you peace and calm.
Learn to Say No – It's a challenge to say no and set boundaries, especially during the holidays. Your friends, family, and colleagues will understand if you can't attend or participate in every gathering. Saying no can help ensure you don't overcrowd your schedule leaving you feeling overwhelmed and more stressed than you need to be.
Your mental health should be your number one priority as you reduce holiday stress. Ensuring your body and mind are well taken care of is essential for you to be able to truly enjoy the holiday season. Remember to acknowledge your feelings and take time for yourself every day. It's okay to set boundaries and know that it's okay to get help when you need it most.
