Tips for Holiday Wellness

For many, the holiday season is a wonderful time, a chance to connect with family and friends, and celebrate the milestones achieved that year. For others…it’s less so. No matter what your relationships are like with friends, family, and coworkers, the obligations and planning can be stressful, which can take a toll on your mental and physical health. With that in mind, we’re sharing these tips for holiday wellness. By taking care of yourself, you’ll be better equipped to give your best to others and have a truly wonderful holiday season. 

Try these tips for holiday wellness:

Make Sleep a Priority

While this is easier said than done when there are many late-night festivities to attend, it’s important to get a good night’s sleep during the holidays. This will help you have the energy to get through all you need to do the next day, as well as help your overall mindset. Being overtired can lead to a poor mood, stress eating, and just not feeling like ourselves. Making sleep a priority is necessary to enjoying the holiday season. 

Organize

During busy times, an organized to-do list and calendar are a must. Create lists for things you need to get do and for food and gifts you need to buy. Try to organize your errands to get as many things off your lists at once, or at least in an efficient manner so you don’t have to spend too much time driving from place to place. Make sure you add any events you’re attending to your calendar as soon as you RSVP to avoid the stress of double-booking. If you have a partner, friend, or children who can help, assign tasks so you don’t have to do everything yourself. 

Get Enough Exercise

Finding time to exercise when we are busy is challenging any time of the year, but it’s especially important to make the time when dealing with the stress of the holidays. Exercise and stretching can help you get a better night’s sleep, and the release of happy-endorphins will be good for your mood. Try to get your family and friends to join you for a hike, walk, or run — that way you can still spend quality time together while doing something good for yourselves. 

Avoid Comparisons

“Comparison is the thief of joy” is a good saying to keep in mind over the holidays. Comparing yourself to others can lead to insecurity and anxiety. It’s also a pointless activity — there’s always going to be someone in your group who is a better cook, has the ability to always choose the perfect gift, or has a bigger, fancier home. Focus on what you do well, and don’t waste time thinking about how you compare to others. 

Make a Plan for Handling Drama

You may be lucky enough to have a drama-free family or group of friends. But for those who have an aunt who asks overly personal questions, a friend who is constantly gossiping, or a coworker prone to starting petty arguments at the company holiday party, it’s important to recognize these possible scenarios could occur. Make a plan for what you’ll do if they happen — maybe you’ll move to the opposite side of the room, or go outside to get some air. Having a plan of action for dealing with drama will help you protect your mental energy. 

Say No

If you have a busy social or work schedule, you may feel overwhelmed by adding holiday activities to your calendar. Remember that you don’t have to say yes to everything — be honest about your limitations and set boundaries to preserve your peace of mind. 

Relax & Enjoy Self-care

Before the holidays start, make a list of your favorite ways to decompress. Quiet time to read, taking a bath, going to yoga, making time for meditation, or watching your favorite show while in comfy pajamas may be some of the ways you like to relax. Be sure to carve out time to engage in these activities — you may want to literally set events on your calendar to block off time for self-care. This time will help you get a much-needed recharge and prioritize your holiday wellness.

Practice Gratitude 

At the end of a stressful day, take a minute to focus on what was good about it. Did you have a nice talk with someone, or see something pretty outside? Maybe you feel relieved to have completed some tasks, or had time to return some calls. Focus on the positive things, no matter how small they may seem. Writing these things down is a good idea, that way when you are really stressed you can look back and see that it’s not all bad. Practicing gratitude can help lower the heart rate and make us feel calmer. This is a wonderful way to set yourself up for a good night’s sleep!