STAYING GROUNDED DURING THE HOLIDAYS
Many people experience high levels of stress during the holiday season. Although it is meant to be a time of gratitude, family and connection, it can also be a time fraught with anxiety and a feeling of groundlessness. Pressures related to family and social commitments and the copious amounts of sugary snacks can cause many of us to feel tired, uneasy and not present for ourselves or our loved ones.
The holiday season also comes with expectations to do more and give more to others, often at the expense of your own well-being. There are many things you can do to stay grounded, calm and joyful when times get stressful. Let’s talk about a few surefire strategies that can help you navigate the hustle and bustle of this holiday season.
4 Ways to Stay Grounded During the Holidays
Keep to Your Routines
With holiday parties, shopping and travel it can be easy to fall out of your normal routine. One way to keep stress levels low is to keep to your positive daily habits like exercise, meditation or healthy eating. Although you may have to make some adjustments, you should be able to find a way to get outside for a walk or meditate for a few minutes before you step into the shower. Taking care of yourself will help you take better care of others.
Eat and Drink with Care
If you tend to go overboard around the holidays, you are not alone. Studies suggests that people gain an average of 7-10 pounds between Thanksgiving and the New Year. The tempting cookies and boozy cocktails can be hard to resist and leave you feeling guilty and tired. The key to keeping your cool this holiday season is moderation. Eat healthy, well-balanced meals during the day but let yourself enjoy a few treats too.
Rest and Relax
Late nights and travel can disrupt your normal sleep patterns. Do your best to get the sleep you need to thrive the next day. If you are burning the candle at both ends, you will inevitably exhaust yourself and have a shorter fuse with family and friends. Try to take naps or participate in a yin or restorative yoga class to help your body rejuvenate itself.
Appreciate the Good Things
With all of the hustle and bustle, it can be easy to forget the reason for the season. Try to take time each day to appreciate what you have and who you have in your life. If you find yourself getting anxious, take deep breaths and tell yourself three things that you are grateful for. This practice will help to calm you down and refocus you on the positive.
Even in times of stress, there are many things we can be grateful for. This holiday season make it your priority to focus on your own well-being and the things that you were thankful for this year. If you find yourself with higher levels of anxiety and stress than normal, employ some of the tactics above to help you navigate this tricky time of year.