Where did this year go? I can’t believe that it is already
the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. What’s also scary is it’s the time
of the year when we all become stressed out as well. So here are six tips to help keep you stress free during the holidays and beyond.
1- Focus on self-care and maintenance
During the holiday season we
tend to focus so much on other people and activities that we actually forget to
take time to focus on ourselves. The more and more we forget to do this, the
more we start building up stress in our bodies. When our stress levels get to high, it will turn us
into that mean old green Grinch made so famous by Dr. Seuss . So make sure each day you are
doing one daily activity that is just for you and only you. It will allow you to feel better about yourself and give you such burst energy that no cup of coffee or Red Bull can match.
2- Stay Hydrated
With
all the parties and running around we do during the holidays, we tend to
consume more coffee and adult beverages then we normal would consume. In return, we
tend to forget to hydrate our body with the most essential beverage of all.
Water. When we allow our bodies to become dehydrated it cause us develop headaches, mental
fog and crave more sweets.
One way we can insure we are staying hydrated is by carrying a water
bottle with us wherever we go. Another option is for every glass of coffee or alcohol you
have; pair it with at lease one glass of water
3- Nighty Night
Time
Sleep is so vital to the
function of our bodies. Sleeping allows our body to rest and recover from the difficulties
we face each day. When we fail to get enough sleep our brains become more cloudy, we develop angry and
hostility, tend to over eat and are more prone to become sick. So don’t worry
about missing that late night show on TV or staying up late to catch up with
TIVO. Instead work on shutting out bright lights at least an hour before bed
and take some time to get the six to eight hours of sleep our body needs. When
you do, you will be rested and ready to tackle the next day full on.
4. Don’t try to
be perfect
There
is no such thing as super person. We all need help to accomplish everything that
needs to get done in our lives. So don’t be afraid to ask a friend or family
member for support. Try to delegate some of your chores or workload to others.
When we all work together, we can create a world of caring and giving.
5. Eat mindfully and enjoy the holidays
Yes, you can still eat healthy and enjoy the holidays. When going to party offer to bring a dish that you know will be healthy and can be shared with others. You can also have a small meal or healthy snack before going to a party, that help avoid over eating. If you are going out to eat, ask for a to go box when you get your entree. This will allow you to put away half of the entree for the next day, as most meals given at restaurants are enough for 2-3 meals. If you cravings desserts, try sharing it with friends and family. Never skipped a meal, to eat more later. When we skip meals our body will go into survival mood and will crave more sweets and cause over eating.
6. Pay it
forwarded
Yep, the simple
act of giving something to someone else is amazing for our spirit and soul. The
energy we get for helping others is amazing. As humans it’s in our nature
to help each other. So take some time to volunteer and bring food or presents to
those that are less fortunate. Maybe you can buy the coffee for the person behind you. What
ever it is, focus on doing something for someone else other then yourself,
family or friends. It never hurts to help a stranger.
So remember to love yourself and take care of yourself during the holiday season. When you do, it will become more enjoyable and rememberable.
