Just Say "No" to Holiday Stress
4:28 PM
With all of the crowds, heavy to-do lists, high expectations, and little down time, it’s not hard to see why the holidays can become a stressful time. Here are some tips to enjoy the holidays and keep the blues at bay:
SOAK UP SOME RAYS—Getting some much needed vitamin D and fresh air can help to keep the winter blues away.
STOP AND SMELL THE LEMONS—Citrus has been shown to reduce stress levels. To take advantage, light a candle, inhale the scent through essential oils or go straight to the source by cutting a lemon, orange or grapefruit open.
MELT IT AWAY—Even low impact exercise releases endorphins, which naturally boost mood and melt away stress for up to 12 hours.
DON’T BITE OFF MORE THAN YOU CAN CHEW—During the holidays, between family gatherings, work parties and special events, it’s easy to fill your calendar. Be sure to prioritize your engagements and don’t be afraid to say no to the ones that fall to the bottom of the list.
KEEP IT REAL—The holidays can be a magical time, but the pressure to make them that way can induce stress. Keeping your expectations at a reasonable level gives you breathing room when things don’t go exactly according to plan.
DON’T BREAK THE BANK—let’s face it, the holidays can be expensive, and financial strain is a huge stressor. When your family looks back on this holiday season years from now, they’re more likely to remember the time they spent together than the gifts they received. Instead of breaking the bank on big gifts, give something that can lead to more quality time together, like board games. Additionally, don’t feel pressure to buy for everyone you know—the newspaper boy and your barista aren’t likely to feel excluded if you don’t give them a gift.
CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE—Take some time to volunteer—helping someone in need can help to change the perspective you have on the stressors in your life. Studies have shown that people that volunteer tend to have lower rates of depression and a higher level of life satisfaction.
What do you do to keep the holiday stress away? Please share in the comments below, or by sharing a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #wiredforwellness.
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