The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and often, a whirlwind of activities. These can easily take a toll on our well-being. During family gatherings, holiday parties, and with all the delicious treats, feelings of overwhelm can set in quickly. But there's good news! With some planning and an emphasis on self-care, you can navigate this festive period and keep your wellness intact. Here's how to stay relaxed and prioritize your health as the year comes to a close.
Set Realistic Expectations
One of the biggest pitfalls during the holidays is setting unrealistic expectations. Whether it’s about planning a flawless holiday meal, shopping for the perfect gifts, or attending every festive event, overburdening yourself can lead to serious stress.
Instead of aiming for perfection, pursue what feels comfortable and fun. It’s perfectly fine if your cookies aren't Instagram-worthy or if you don’t attend every event. For example, choose two or three key gatherings where you can truly engage with friends and family, instead of stretching yourself too thin. Releasing the pressure lets you enjoy the season without added fuss.
Prioritize Planning
The holidays can spiral into chaos without a plan in place. Consider creating a straightforward schedule that includes important dates, such as gatherings and deadlines for gift buying. Don’t forget to allocate time for self-care, which is often overlooked!
Set aside at least 30 minutes each day for activities that restore you. This could be going for a walk, practicing yoga, or watching a couple of episodes of your favorite show. Block scheduling these moments ensures you won't forget self-care in the holiday rush.
Finally, don't be afraid to say 'No' to some get-togethers. This is a powerful word for you. Invitations out to gatherings with friends, coworkers, and family can weigh heavily on your bank account and/or on your social battery wearing us, so unnecessarily! We often feel as though we can't say no, but the value in doing so in favor of your own well-being can be just the ticket to managing the stress of the season. Remember when we couldn't see anyone during COVID? While super sad to miss out on many of the activities and traditions of the season, the simplicity was so restorative in many ways!
Embrace Mindful Eating
With festive treats in abundance, it's super easy to slip into mindless eating. Instead, adopt a mindful approach to your meals. Focus on savoring your food, managing your portion sizes, and tuning into your body's internal hunger and fullness signals.
Enjoy the festive goodies, but do so in moderation, so you don't feel bloated and like crap the rest of the day. For instance, if you have a slice of pie, balance it with a serving of mixed greens or roasted vegetables during your meal. This balance not only keeps guilt at bay but also helps maintain good nutrition during the holidays.
Stay Active
Staying active and incorporating movement during the holiday chaos may seem challenging, but it's sooo beneficial for your mental and physical health! Regular exercise can help alleviate stress and uplift your mood. You don’t need intense workouts; even light activities can make a big difference. I LOVE getting out in the evenings to walk to dog with the kids and my husband.
REMEMBER to do activities to do activities that bring you joy and pleasure, this way you are more likely to maintain it as a daily habit or routine!
Also, consider seasonal activities that get you moving and having fun. Ice skating can burn around 300 calories in an hour, and a brisk 30-minute walk around your neighborhood can help lower stress hormones like cortisol. These simple but enjoyable activities can create lasting memories, while keeping you active.
Maintain Your Sleep Routine
The holiday season often alters our routines and can disrupt sleep patterns. It is essential to stick to a consistent sleep schedule, even if it's tempting to stay up late for celebrations. According to sleep experts, adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep each night for optimal health. (Honestly, I WISH this was the norm for me, but it's not. But when I do get a solid night, I truly feel so very different, more regulated, and able to manage what the day throws at me)
Cultivating a wind-down routine can help. Consider relaxing rituals like reading a few pages of a favorite book, meditating, or sipping a warm cup of chamomile tea before bedtime. These habits can enhance your sleep quality and improve your wellness.
The Power of Connection
The holidays are a wonderful time to connect with others. Make it a point to reach out to friends and family, whether in person or over a video call. Sharing experiences and leaning on each other can significantly help reduce feelings of stress and loneliness.
Socializing can increase feelings of happiness by up to 20%! So don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and check in with a friend. Simple conversations can lift your spirits and reaffirm your connections.
Practice Gratitude
Keeping your spirits high and stress low can be as simple as practicing gratitude. Take a moment each day to reflect on what you are thankful for. Research shows that gratitude can improve mental health and emotional resilience significantly.
You might keep a gratitude journal jotting down three things you appreciate each day. Alternatively, share your thoughts with someone close to you. This small practice can help you focus on the positive, making holiday stress feel much more manageable.
Finding Peace in Traditional Rituals
Holiday traditions can provide a sense of stability during the seasonal hustle. Whether it’s watching the same beloved holiday movie, baking a family recipe, or decorating your home (even if it's right after Halloween...yes, I see you friends and I'm right here for it!!), these rituals can serve as comforting reminders of your connections with loved ones.
Engaging in your favorite traditions helps to nurture relationships and create lasting memories. If a family gathering includes making gingerbread houses, make it a priority. The joy of sharing such moments can foster a deeper sense of community and joy.
Embrace Imperfection
Not everything will go according to plan, and that's perfectly okay. Embracing imperfection is key to sustaining your wellness during the busy holidays. Instead of stressing about every detail, focus on the moments that bring you joy.
If the turkey doesn’t turn out perfectly or if holiday games get a bit chaotic, laugh it off. These little mishaps will become cherished memories over time, contributing to the delightful chaos of the holiday season.
Bringing It All Together
Navigating your wellness during the holiday season doesn’t have to feel like an uphill battle. By even being in control of one of these suggestions: setting realistic expectations, prioritizing planning, mindfully enjoying food, staying active, maintaining sleep routines, connecting with others, practicing gratitude, celebrating traditions, and accepting imperfections, you can truly enjoy this special time of year with minimal burn out.
As the holidays approach, take a moment to ground yourself in these practices. Remember to place your wellness at the forefront. A little calm can make your holiday season not just bearable but incredibly joyful. Happy holidays!
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