The holidays can be joyous – but also very stressful. You may be seeing friends and family you have missed, while also coming into contact with people who could make you anxious or uncomfortable. The season itself can cause financial stress or the dreary days may make you feel down.
Fortunately, there are many natural methods for dealing with seasonal stress. Here are just ten holistic ways for relaxation you can use as we get closer to the end of the holiday season.
- Set aside time for self-care. The holidays can get really busy, stretching your already limited “me” time to the breaking point. Try to schedule a little time every day for some self-care. This could be five minutes for stretching, two hours for a massage, or thirty minutes for a relaxing bath. Spending even a little time focusing on your health and well being can make you feel good.
- Reach out for help. Stress can feel overwhelming. Talk to your friends, family, yoga instructor, acupuncturist, or masseuse and ask them to help you as you tackle this burden. You don’t need to carry it alone.
- Get outside. Even when the weather is bleak, you can still find beauty in the outdoors. Make it a point to take a walk at lunchtime or bring your morning coffee onto your deck. Listen to the rain, smell the crisp air, and try to find one small thing that is beautiful about the world around you.
- Give yourself the gift of acupuncture. Acupuncture, massage, and cupping can all help relieve tension. Give yourself a little time to allow these methods of Traditional Chinese Medicine to help your stress melt away.
- Meet up with people you care about. Fostering a sense of belonging and connection with others can improve your state of mind, helping you to feel more relaxed and less anxious.
- Sip a cup of hot tea. Both herbal and caffeinated teas have health benefits. Plus, hot tea or soup can make you feel warm and relaxed on chilly days.
- Try to keep up your exercise regimen. Exercise can help boost your endorphins – while also giving you the benefit of getting a jump on your New Year’s resolutions.
- Get mindful or meditate. Exercising mindfulness and meditation can help you let go of stress. Additionally, meditation can help improve heart function and benefit your metabolism.
- Go to sleep early. With all of the holiday parties and dinners happening this time of year, it’s tempting to stay up late. However, going to bed earlier than usual can benefit your health, allowing your body some extra time to rest and rejuvenate. Consider it a mini-hibernation.
- Have some fun. It’s easy to stress about the holidays and let the small, happy moments pass us by. Instead of staying up late to get those final cards out, ask your children or partner to help and make it an event. Instead of worrying about perfectly wrapping presents, bag them and play a board game with friends instead.
The end of the year can be a wonderful time. I hope you find peace and joy this holiday season.
Happy Holidays from AOM Health!