The year is drawing to a close, and a lot of us are feeling the effects of holiday season stress! While this is supposed to be a time to wind down and relax, in reality it becomes a high-pressure season for many people. Here are some quick tips for managing festive holiday stress, and saving your sanity during \u201csilly season\u201d.<\/p>\n
Top Causes of Holiday Season Stress<\/strong><\/p>\n Where does all that stress come from? In most cases, it\u2019s the result of holidays that are crammed with activities, big meals, family gatherings and high expectations. These are the things that can leave you feeling frazzled or burned out over the holidays:<\/p>\n Stress-Busting Tips for the Holidays<\/strong><\/p>\n Prioritise!<\/u><\/strong> It\u2019s easy to get overwhelmed by all the activities and demands on your time. Decide which traditions are the most important (and the most positive), and prioritise those over the rest. Aim for quality over quantity; choose a few favourite festive season activities and focus on enjoying those.<\/p>\n Plan ahead:<\/u><\/strong> Set out a schedule for your holiday \u2013 write it down on paper and assess how realistic it is. Then adjust it accordingly, depending on your priorities.<\/p>\n Spend smart:<\/u> <\/strong>Set a budget and stick to it, no excuses! There’s no need to splash out on overpriced goodies you can\u2019t afford \u2013 a thoughtful gift will always mean more than an expensive gift. Instead of the latest gadgets and \u201cmust-have\u201d mall items, try your hand at a batch of home-made holiday cookies for your loved ones. Or schedule some quality time with your closest friends, in lieu of material gifts.<\/p>\n Eat smart:<\/u><\/strong> Be aware of your \u201cweak spots\u201d when it comes to festive foods and snacks. Eat a healthy breakfast every day, to regulate your metabolism and prevent yourself from overindulging later on. Try to keep your holiday meals as balanced as possible, with a choice of fresh, fibre-rich veggies and fruits in the mix.<\/p>\n Drink less:<\/u><\/strong> Alcohol lowers your inhibitions, and the more you drink, the less likely you are to make smart decisions. Alcoholic drinks are high in sugar and calories too. Limit your number of festive cocktails, and switch out the booze for a glass of icy soda water with a splash of lemon and lime instead. This will help to keep you hydrated, and will also prevent those dreaded holiday hangovers.<\/p>\n Get some exercise:<\/u><\/strong> Sure, none of us want to be stuck in the gym over the holidays, but there are lots of fun ways to keep yourself active during this time. Play sports with your family, take walks on the beach, plan a hike or go for a bike ride \u2013 you’ll feel healthier and more energised afterwards.<\/p>\n Take some time alone:<\/u><\/strong> This is a time when you\u2019ll often be surrounded by friends and family, and while it can be a lot of fun, it can also be draining. It\u2019s important to take a little time out for yourself every day \u2013 a walk, a bath, a few minutes of meditation or a few pages of your favourite book will leave you feeling relaxed and recharged.<\/p>\n Keep your expectations realistic:<\/u><\/strong> We all want that picture-perfect holiday, but sometimes that\u2019s simply not a realistic expectation. Be aware of your limitations, like how many people you are able to host or visit. And remember, it\u2019s okay to set healthy boundaries with difficult friends or relatives.<\/p>\n Give something back:<\/u> <\/strong>Volunteering is a wonderful way to share a bit of joy with those who are less fortunate, or who might be spending the holidays alone. Spend some time at a soup kitchen, a children\u2019s home, an old age home or an animal shelter. Giving back and helping out is so rewarding, and it really does help to spread some extra kindness around.<\/p>\n With a bit of planning and a positive mindset, you can keep holiday season stress to a minimum this year, and enjoy the happy times more fully.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sources<\/strong><\/p>\n 25 Ways to Fight Holiday Stress. Retrieved from: https:\/\/www.health.com\/health\/gallery\/0,,20306655,00.html<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The year is drawing to a close, and a lot […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":11432,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[129,34,41],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11430","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-2018-dec-articles","category-lifestyle-nutrition","category-your-wellness-mind"],"yoast_head":"\n\n