The holiday season is full of parties, shopping, family time, baking, cleaning and many joyous occasions. However, the holidays can also bring along unwanted stress that can affect your health and well-being. If you know that the holidays bring a lot of stress, plan ahead and use these tips to help you cope and feel your best!
Don’t Procrastinate
Perhaps the most important part to managing stress this holiday season is to get organized and plan ahead- this includes your budget, your menus, and your upcoming parties. By setting aside designated days for gift shopping, menu planning, and party prep well ahead of time, you’ll prevent any last-minute hiccups and save yourself the stress that often comes along with procrastination.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
While this time of year is usually one when diets fall to the wayside and we load up on sugar and carbs, managing your diet can help you stay in control to avoid holiday weight gain and guilt. Avoid overeating by using a smaller plate, and be sure to start filling it with fruits and vegetables before loading up on high-calorie entrees and desserts. Continuing to drink plenty of water and limiting your intake of sugary cocktails and wines will also help you look and feel your best.
Exercise Regularly
Though it can be hard to find any motivation for it this time of year, incorporating physical activity in some capacity into your daily routine during the holidays can help manage weight gain, stress levels, and even improve your overall mood. Some women may find that while meditation or yoga best helps them manage these aspects of their life, others might enjoy running or following a workout plan instead. Find out which form of exercise is easiest to incorporate into your lifestyle and makes you feel refreshed, then stick with it!
Seek Help
If the holidays still have you feeling sluggish and stressed, don’t be afraid to consult with your health care provider or mental health professional. Seeking help and learning how best to manage your health and stress this time of year will help you to prepare for and enjoy the upcoming festivities.
By understanding the sources of your holiday stress, be it budgeting for gifts or preparing your home for visits from family, you’ll be able to better control them before they lead to a breakdown so you can spend your holiday season relaxing and spending time with friends and family.