During the holiday months, you are more likely to be stressed, with increased holiday spending, more socializing, overeating and increased task loads. Additionally, this is all while sleeping less!
You need to remember to take care of yourself during this time of year. In fact, make it a priority.
Try one of these 10 tips to relax when you start to feel overwhelmed:
- Take a walk or a nap.
Yes, I’m cheating by giving you two options to get your body moving or get it resting. If you are feeling overwhelmed, take a brisk walk (or a leisurely stroll, if that’s more your style) to get some fresh, crisp air in your lungs. Not wanting to go through the paces? Take a nap instead! Your body goes through a natural healing process as you rest so what better way to recharge than taking a good ole fashioned snooze?
_ - Be intentional.
Set your intentions at the start so you know what you need to do and what can wait. You have a budget for holiday spending? Stick to it or else you will pay more for it later, adding even more stress.
_ - Take a bubble bath.
Not just for the kiddos! There are very few things better than a bubble bath when stressed. If bubbles aren’t your thing, try bath salts to help detoxify and relax your tense muscles. You’d be surprised as to what your body holds onto, especially when stressed.
_ - Schedule a facial.
With the air being colder and drier and holiday parties right around the corner, taking care of your skin is very important. You’ll be protecting it against environmental factors and getting the glow for pictures with friends and family. Try a HydraFacial MD for an instant glow and save precious time when you need to get ready for parties.
_ - Diffuse essential oils.
Lavender is one of the best oils for relaxation. Many diffusers can be found at your local market or at many online retailers and are quite affordable.
_ - Schedule a massage.
Taking time for yourself during the holidays doesn’t always feel doable, but trust me when I say that it is important to take that time to refresh and recharge. If you are running on reserves, it will be very difficult to carry out all of the responsibilities during the months. That will only add to your stress, so relax!
_ - Say “no” when necessary.
I know what you’re thinking. “I can’t say no! There is too much to do!” But the reason you are probably feeling overwhelmed is because of the countless times you’ve said “yes” when you should have said “no”. Be mindful of your limits so you don’t spread yourself too thin. Moderation is the key to keeping yourself sane during the holidays.
_ - Reflect on the current year and consider how you want the next year to be different.
This one is really for you to take a step back, think, and breathe. I’m not one for resolutions (you should consider making changes throughout the year, that’s how growth happens) but I think reflecting on the year as a whole will help you determine where you need to step up and when you need to step back. Self care to the core.
_ - Talk to your loved ones.
During the holidays, we sometimes forget what is really important and the whole point of this time of year. Maybe you have a grandparent or an extended family member you won’t be seeing this year. Pick up the phone and tell them you love them. Small gestures mean so much to people during what can be such a hectic time, and it will make you feel even better knowing you had a part in it. It doesn’t even have to be a long, drawn out conversation, but just enough for them to know you are thinking about them.
_ - Laugher is the best medicine.
Studies are showing that laughter releases endorphins, so what better way to release some tension than with a good belly laugh! This time of year is supposed to be full of joy and peace, however, because of commercialism, it has become anything but relaxing for some! That doesn’t have to be true in your case, so laugh it up! Need some ideas? How about watching a funny movie, singing and dancing to fun music, or reading a book full of humor? Sounds doable, right? 🙂
So you can see, there are many ways to give yourself a break during the holidays to fight burnout. Take care of yourself so you can take care of others and enjoy your time with loved ones.
