Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Thanksgiving is behind us, but we’re now on a quick six-week spin to the end of the year. Our days will be filled with work, travel, shopping, cleaning, entertaining, and, if we’re not careful, the stress of feeling that we’re falling behind.
While some stress can be helpful, chronic stress is not. It can contribute to anxiety, depression, weight gain, and fatigue. And holiday-related stress will rob you of what should be a time of seasonal joy, reflection, and quality moments with friends and family.
Here are three tips for managing holiday stress. The best thing about them? They work year round on any kind of stress!
Get enough sleep. Nothing will knock you out of your routine faster than staying up late to socialize, travelling to a different time zone, or stuffing your days with extra activities. And fewer things can create a cranky mood faster than a lack of sleep. It can be hard to get your needed seven or eight hours under the best of circumstances. During this busy season, try setting an alarm for when you should be getting ready to go to sleep. And try to turn off all electronic devices an hour before bedtime. This infographic, from Zeo, shows just how beneficial sleep can be to your health.
Eat whole foods. If it comes in a box, is wrapped in plastic, or has more than five ingredients, chances are it’s not good for you. Processed food has been engineered to get you to overeat. As much as you can, try to build your meals with meat, vegetables, and fruits that will fuel you with energy and sate your hunger. While you cannot control what is served to you at holiday parties, you can control what you eat at home.
Be mindful. Mindfulness-based stress reduction is an effective way to reduce anxiety. You don’t need to become a Zen master to enjoy the benefits of mindfulness. You just need to remind yourself, every now and again, to take note of the season. Even if it’s just for a moment, it can be enough to help you enjoy your children, take pleasure in time with friends, or savor your solitude.
Until next week, Stay Well!
