Every year we get excited as the holiday season approaches, only to consistently be bogged down with holiday stress. There just doesn’t seem to be enough time to see everyone, find the right gift, or even take the time to just enjoy the season. So this year, let’s not stress. We’ve got five healthy ways to deal with holiday stress.
Online Shopping
Forget the long lines and empty shelves, this year go shopping from the comfort of your own home. Most retailers offer the same, if not better, holiday deals online as they do in store. That’s especially important this year as we strive to keep our distance due to COVID-19 concerns. Try it and see how the holiday stress of gift shopping just melts away by shopping online for Professional Supplement Center’s Daily Deals.
Yoga and Meditation
The key to beating holiday stress is to make sure you’re first taking care of you. Practicing yoga can help you free your body and mind and leave all that holiday stress in a puddle on the floor. Not into yoga? No problem. You can get the same benefits by practicing even ten minutes of meditation. For tips on how to get started, check out mindful.org.
Get Enough Sleep
Don’t let holiday stress keep you up all night. It’s recommended that adults get at least seven hours of sleep each night. You may not realize it, but lack of sleep can actually make stress worse. If you’re having trouble shutting off your brain at night and falling asleep, try a natural sleep and relaxation supplement, such as Stress Support Complex by Klaire Labs.
Talk About It
If the holidays tend to get your down, reach out to a friend or family member and talk it through. If you have recently lost someone, or your family can’t visit you as they usually do during the holidays, it’s okay to feel down. Pretending to be happy and excited about the holidays can make stress even worse. Let your true feelings happen naturally, cry if you need to, and seek comfort from others a different way, like over the phone or on a video call.
Don’t Overspend
You shouldn’t feel like you have to spend money that you don’t have just because it’s the holidays. If money is tight, stick to a budget, or better yet try these money saving gift ideas:
- Make homemade gifts
- Offer your services (music lessons, dog walking, free massage, etc.)
- Set up a gift exchange with friends and family
Don’t give in to holiday stress. You can enjoy the season without it bringing you down. Try these healthy ways to deal with holiday stress and see how much a difference it can make in your life.
FAQs
How common is stress around the holidays?
Very common. According to the American Psychological Association, almost nine in ten Americans experience stress or feeling overwhelmed during the holiday season.
What are the health benefits of meditation?
Regular meditation can reduce stress, improve memory, increase attention, improve sleep, lower blood pressure, and reduce anxiety and depression.
How can I limit weight gain during the holidays?
During the holidays, eat several small meals throughout the day. Remember to prioritize fiber, to help satisfy cravings. Add healthy snacks to have along with holiday treats, and be conscious of calorie-heavy drinks (eggnog, punch, wine, mixed drinks, and ciders).
- About the Author
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Lori Bray-Levinsohn, CHHC, is a Certified Holistic Health Coach and received her Certificate from The Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN). At IIN, she studied dietary theories, contemporary health issues and topics, and Eastern and Western nutrition with some of the world’s top health and wellness experts. While recognizing each client’s bio-individuality, Lori works with people, helping them discover their primary & secondary nutrition choices as they create a healthier lifestyle.