For most of us, all the beauty, fun, and excitement of the holiday season comes bundled with a whole lot of stress as well. Whether from the holidays, our jobs, family, friendships, or other sources, stress is an unavoidable fact of life.
One of the most frustrating features of stress is its snowball-like tendency to build on its own momentum, which causes us to get stressed out about being stressed!
Is the holiday season really the most wonderful time of the year? From gift buying, hosting parties, death of family members or friends, travel delays, to crazy relatives, this time of year often ends up being a very high stress period, and then we compound that with added alcohol, heavy foods and more sweets, altered exercise routines, and compromised sleep schedules! While that is a recipe for exhaustion, there are simple ways to focus on self care and make it a more joyful season!
Here are four ways to avoid holiday burnout:
3) Be choosy…eat mindfully. The holidays are full of opportunities to socialize and drink and can leave you feeling drained. Prioritize the individuals and events that matter most and politely pass on the rest. The same strategy can be applied to food. Take inventory of your holiday must-haves. Consider a variety, including vegetables, proteins and healthy fats, to prevent blood sugar spikes and dips that can increase anxiety.
4) Practice Gratitude. Envy, competition, and unrealistic expectations can leave us feeling unfulfilled. This year, try to shift your mindset and be grateful for what you already have, both tangible and intangible. A focus on gratitude has been shown to increase happiness and optimism. Take a few minutes each day to count your blessings or jot down some “wins” you had for the day. You may not have the power to control all of your holiday stressors, but you have the ability to shift your outlook.
The holiday hoopla keeps us hair-on-fire busy. Before you know it, it’ll be January and you’ll be left wondering where the relaxation was during “the most wonderful time of the year.” Worrying about the next present to buy, party to attend, or houseguest to host is exhausting. When we aren’t focused on the present moment, we’re less likely to be happy. It’s natural to worry about schedules, family, and waistlines during the holidays, but don’t allow these thoughts to negatively impact your health. Take proactive steps to minimize stressors and rejuvenate this holiday season!