Six Tips for a Less Stressful Holiday Season
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” the song goes. However, recent studies show that almost 90% of Americans feel the holiday season is the most stressful time of the year. A 2019 study commissioned by Joy Organics found that 67% of respondents found placing unnecessary pressure on themselves to produce the “perfect” holiday was a big stressor. Many (43%) stated that overly busy holiday schedules also contributed to stress, with 59% categorizing their holiday season as “chaotic.” How can you make the holidays less stressful?
Take Time for Self-Care
When you have so much to do, how can you make time for self-care? You schedule it and prioritize keeping that appointment with yourself. The busy holidays will be much more enjoyable if you take care of yourself. Stonebriar Spa’s Healing Stone Massage is perfect for a little pampering! Utilizing warm basalt stones to provide comfort and relaxation, this light to moderate pressure massage will loosen tight muscles, reducing your stress and tension. If you would rather target problem areas versus a full-body massage, basalt stones can be added on to other massages (relaxing, deep pressure and CBD Relief).
Be Intentional
Spend a little time reflecting on your priorities this holiday season. What is most important to you during the holidays? What do you want to do? Who do you want to spend time with? Being focused on what matters most helps you stay present in the moment and enjoy your holiday activities more fully instead of being stressed by them.
Get Plenty of Sleep
Not only does sufficient sleep helps you look and feel your best, but it helps your immune system stay strong, which is particularly important in light of not only Covid-19, but the seasonal flu and other bugs. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night. Wrapping presents can wait a little longer!
Stay Hydrated
Hydration sounds like a minor problem, but it is important to your health and well-being! Water helps your body function as it should and flushes toxins from your body. Dehydration can make us feel fatigued and cause headaches. Though it’s easy to forget to drink enough water when we are busy, dehydration can often take a toll on your body. What’s a good amount of water to consume each day? Try to consume at least half of your body weight in ounces a day. It helps to keep a reusable water bottle with you so you can take a sip whenever it is convenient.
Make a Gratitude List
Before focusing on everything you need to do, take the time to reflect on all the things for which you are grateful. Before going to sleep at night, write down the day’s positives and blessings. Studies show that focusing on gratitude can improve your physical and mental health, as well as your sleep quality, self-esteem, and level of happiness.
Purge the “Perfect Holiday Mentality”
Despite the photos on social media, no one’s life is perfect. Trying to create “the perfect holiday” for yourself and/or your family adds a huge amount of totally unnecessary stress to your life. Put aside the idea of perfection and embrace having an authentic holiday season, enjoying time with family and friends without the pressure of perfection weighing down every moment. You’ll be able to relax and have a more memorable, meaningful holiday.
This holiday season, plan to manage your time and include time for your own self-care. Don’t try to do too much. Creating a calendar and/or a daily schedule will help you prevent feeling overwhelmed by event plans, tasks to be done, and deadlines. Always remember that it is okay to say no to plans that don’t align with your priorities this season. Balance, boundaries, and mindfulness will help you navigate the next few weeks smoothly and welcome a new year with no regrets!