by Tia Cristy
The holidays are fast approaching, and the stress of the Yuletide is starting to build. It happens every year for a majority of the people, no matter what holiday you celebrate. The weather has probably gotten chillier depending on where you live, which inevitably changes our bodies and moods. Next, we are prepping to spend some upcoming time with family and friends, so cramming in last-minute work so that you can take time off is wrecking a whole new havoc on our minds and bodies. And that’s just the start of it. Buying presents, cooking large dinners, dealing with traffic, traveling, and any of the other bizillon things that come up during the holiday season can cause significant stress. It’s unhealthy to put ourselves through such turmoil, especially when it’s supposed to be the most wonderful season of the year. So, let’s take a look at some easy tips to cut the holiday stress.
Don’t Let the Scale Shame You
It’s a fun fact that the body gains an extra layer when the season grows cold. So, if your environment is nippy during the holiday season, you are already destined to fluff up a bit because your body is protecting itself from cooler temperatures. Now, tack on the fact that decedent foods and delicious treats in abundance surround the holidays. Trying to diet during the holidays has a high chance of resulting in failure due to the savory and sweetness that surrounds the season.
Depriving yourself of celebrating the holiday with a traditional slice of fruit cake or egg nog can cause low moods but also end in negative bingeing habits. So, instead of swearing off the breads or gluten-free cookies, practice moderation. Remember to eat your vegetables and maintain a balanced diet, stay active, and whatever you do, don’t let any extra pounds on the scale shame you in any way.
Don’t Over Spend Your Money
The economy has been a little crazy lately, and prices have soared on everything from dollar store items to purchasing a house. So, what do you do when you feel obligated to get every member of your family, neighbor, or co-worker a gift for the holiday season? Remember, it’s the thought that counts, not the price tag. Putting yourself in the negative, financially, to give material objects that will take you months to pay off is highly stressful and unhealthy for your system.
Buying items in bulk can reduce the cost of gifts significantly. For example, grab a pack of glassware, and instead of giving all four glasses to one person, be creative and get crafty. Paint something special on the glass. Add some candy or a small candle. Wrap it in tulle and tie an ornament around the stem. There are tons of fantastic ways to show someone you care without breaking the bank.
Stop Keeping Up with…
Keeping up with the neighbors or family members when it comes to gifts, decorations, going places, cooking, etc., can be one of the greatest causes of stress during the holiday season. It’s super important to draw boundaries between what you can and can’t do and what you are willing and not willing to do during the holiday season. If your neighbors go all out with decorations all over their house and lawn, but your house is dark each evening, don’t stress out. So many times, people put things on a to-do list that have no priority, let alone a chore they never plan on doing in the first place. And now that it’s on a mental or physical list, it becomes a heavy burden of importance and can leave you with uneasy anticipation or dread. Remember this important tip: let it go. Firm boundaries will help prevent feelings like that from starting, but if you find yourself trapped in self-sabotage on a task you never wanted in the first place, I’ll repeat it: let it go.
Remembering these simple tips can help nix the pressure and reduce your stress during the holiday season. Also, ensure you take plenty of time for yourself during the hustle and bustle. Add time for meditation, self-care, and gratitude each day to provide a much better chance of having a less stressful season. Have a beautiful holiday season, and be kind to yourself.
