The holidays are a time to gather with loved ones to celebrate and connect, but it is also a time of stress for many. Most of us know the familiar feeling of pressure to get the right gifts, prepare the perfect meal, and attend every event.
But it doesn’t have to be this way! With foresight and intention, you can transform the holidays into a time of joy, gratitude and connection instead of a wave of stress, burnout and loneliness. Use the following tips to deal with holiday stress and make this year the most joyful ever.
Prioritize self-care
At a time of year when much of your focus is on giving to others, don’t forget to give to yourself as well. The most powerful gift is self-care in the form of good nutrition, exercise and sleep. Focus on whole foods and keep sugar consumption in check. Aim to incorporate daily exercise, whether it’s a 30-minute walk in nature, a gym session or another favorite activity. Make this time unmentionable. Likewise, block out eight hours of sleep per night and create an effective bedtime routine.
Rely on herbal allies
Herbs such as lemon balm, linden, passion flower, lavender and milky oats can be great for supporting the body in times of stress. Adaptogens are another great option for regulating the stress response. WishGarden Herbs has several formulas to help you deal with holiday stress, including Deep Stress Adrenal Rescue with Ashwagandha, Emotional Ally: A Big Herbal Hug, Serious Relaxer, and Liquid Bliss.
Maintain a daily gratitude practice
In addition to optimal functioning of the physical body, do not forget to also take care of your mind and soul. Practicing mindfulness meditation or spending just 10 minutes a day writing in a gratitude journal can make a profound change in the way you interpret any stressful events. Gratitude not only resets your stress response by putting you in a parasympathetic state, it also reconnects you with what really matters to you.
Plan ahead
Feeling overwhelmed by the holidays often stems from having too much to do and not enough money or time. Avoid these feelings by taking the time now to examine your finances and create a realistic budget for the holidays. Look for alternatives to traditional gift giving, such as homemade gifts, upcycling or creating an experience instead of purchasing an item.
You can approach your time the same way. Get out a calendar and plan non-negotiable events. Be realistic with what you can attend and achieve. Evaluate what really matters and what might fall by the wayside. By distinguishing the vital tasks from the trivial tasks, you can determine where your energy will be most effective.
Ask for help
Remember that you don’t have to do it alone. Determine which tasks you can delegate and to whom. More than likely, the people in your life will be happy to support you. You just have to ask (nicely). Asking for help can also mean reaching out to community when you need connection. Even if it’s hard to reach out, remember that others are there to support you.
The essence of the holidays is communicating with loved ones and experiencing gratitude for our many blessings. Proactively managing holiday stress can help you be fully present and enjoy this special time of year.
Writer Katie Gerber is a holistic health and nutrition coach who serves clients both locally and online. In 2014, she completed Aviva Romm’s Herbal Medicine for Women certification. After hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in 2014 and the Colorado Trail in 2016, Katie decided to use her knowledge of botanical medicine and nutrition to help fellow wilderness enthusiasts in their quest for more energy and better health. She transitioned from her career as a pastry chef and enrolled at the Institute for Transformational Nutrition. She now uses her lifelong passion for holistic health with her background in culinary arts to help people live healthier lives, in tune with nature. Katie writes for various publications and speaks at local events. When she’s not writing and working with clients, you’ll likely find her in the mountains, in the garden, or in the kitchen testing recipes. Read more about Katie, her articles and her adventures on her website.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or to sell any product.
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