Tips to De-Stress Before and During the Holiday Season
The holidays are a time to spend with family and friends. Unfortunately it can be anything but relaxing, especially if you are hosting dinners or parties. Here are a few tips to help you reduce the stress of what are supposed to be happy moments.
The holiday season is usually happiest for the participants and not the host or hostess. But, you can change that this year. When you feel the tenseness creeping up your body:
1. Practice breathing exercises. You’d be amazed how much this works. The brain needs oxygen; in fact it needs 20% more oxygen than the rest of your body. Deep breathing increases the flow of oxygen to the brain, allowing you to think more clearly. That seating arrangement problem for Thanksgiving dinner will seem to solve itself.
2. Designate a place to be your sanctuary. This is a good idea to get prepared before the holidays begin. It can be outside or inside so long as you can retreat there quickly when you need a moment to yourself. Fill the area with a candle, music player, a book and somewhere comfortable to sit. If you begin your holiday mornings here, the day may not seem so daunting after all.
3. Enjoy the great outdoors. Get out of the kitchen and away from holiday plans with a brisk winter walk. The cool, crisp air and exercise will give you time to clear your head. Take along a family member or two and catch up on old times. The holidays are for you to share in and have fun, too.
4. Make lots of lists. Lists seem to be highly underrated these days. A list gets things off your mind and in another location. On a piece of paper, you can delegate to others so that all the work doesn’t fall on you. Before everything gets rolling, create a list of chores, grocery store items, seating charts and anything else you can think of. Post them on the fridge or a cork board in the kitchen where you can check off tasks as they get done.
5. Watch a funny movie. Laughter truly is the best medicine. It increases the level of endorphins in the brain to create a feeling of calm in your life. De-stress the entire family by asking them to join you and your bowl of popcorn.
We often overtax ourselves during the holidays in an attempt to make things special for our loved ones. In the midst of the hustle and bustle, don’t forget about yourself and your enjoyment. Use these ideas to lessen the stress on yourself and get into the spirit of the season with your family members.
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