20 Ways to Kick Holiday Stress to the Curb

Posted on December 05, 2018 by Tracy Baranauskas, One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.

If you’ve ever become sick during the holiday season, it’s hard to ignore the toll holiday stress can have on your overall health. Unrealistic expectations, financial pressures and family issues can lead to feelings of overwhelm and exhaustion. Then, overeating, excessive drinking and blown budgets can trigger feelings of loss of control and depression.

For many, adding a heap of demands on top of an already full “to-do” list leaves little time for rest. Busy schedules can get in the way of self-care, nutrition and exercise – the very things that help us cope with everyday stress. If self-care doesn’t come naturally for you and you tend to put everyone else’s needs before your own, try some of these simple ways to take care of yourself during the holidays.

1. Establish a morning routine: Morning is the best time of day to add a new habit, before the demands of the world get in the way. Putting aside even 15 minutes for activities that nourish your mind, body and soul can set the tone for a more centered day.
2. Exercise: Get moving and pump up those endorphins! Virtually any form of exercise, from aerobics to yoga can act as a stress reliever.
3. Take a walk: Head outside with the intention of noticing the beauty of nature. Don’t worry about burning calories or tracking your steps, just enjoy!
4. Journal: Write about what you’re feeling – the good, the bad and the ugly. Emotions run high during the holiday season and journaling is a great way to clear your mind and release negative energy.
5. Set your intentions: What are your priorities for the holidays? How do you want to feel? What gives you the most pleasure?
6. Meditate: If you have never meditated before, try starting for just five minutes and you will be surprised at how this simple practice can provide you with new insights and tranquility. Sit comfortably on the floor or in a chair; with your hands on your knees or in your lap. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Notice it moving in and out of your body. Gently release any thoughts that come into your brain and re-focus on your breathing. Keep your mind as clear and empty as possible and listen for intuitive thoughts and feelings that may come through. Let those reflections inspire you!
7. Focus on gratitude: Nothing shifts your negative thoughts to the positive faster than gratitude. Make a list of all that you are thankful for to help you feel more grounded and peaceful
8. Put on some music: Listening to music can have a relaxing effect on your mind and body, especially classical music. On the other hand, dancing and singing to loud, upbeat music can be a great way to release tension and have some fun!
9. Eat well: Be mindful to eat nutritious foods 90% of the time, and you can still indulge in your favorite holiday treats. Don’t eat the junk food you really don’t care for just because it’s there and be sure to savor the first few bites of your favorites.
10. Laugh: Laughter is a great stress reliever. Spend time with people who make you laugh or watch a comedy that tickles your funny bone – then giggle, snort, and laugh until your sides hurt!
11. Take in the moment: When feeling overwhelmed or anxious, use your senses to ground yourself in the moment. STOP – what do you see? What do you feel? What do you hear? What do you smell?
12. Say NO! You don’t have to accept every invitation. Make room for holiday magic to unfold and say no to the events and activities that drain you.
13. Rest: Recharge your mind and body when you are feeling run down and take a power nap!
14. Downsize: If you have piles of boxes of holiday decorations that you have collected over the years, consider downsizing. Start by only putting out your favorite pieces so they really stand out. If that resonates with you, then think about rotating your display and putting out other items next year – and donate the decorations that don’t appeal to you anymore.
15. Read something inspirational: Spend 15 minutes at the beginning or end of your day reading or listening to something that moves you. You have control of what you let into your awareness. Fill your tank with words of encouragement and inspiration.
16. Be creative: Express yourself creatively – write a poem, take some photographs, play a musical instrument, paint a picture. Enjoy the process with no expectations.
17. Accept help and support from others: Stop equating independence with success. We simply can’t do it all alone and not risk feeling overwhelmed, stressed and burnt out. Say “yes” the next time someone offers you help, or even better, ask for help when you need it.
18. Set healthy boundaries: Establishing healthy boundaries can help you feel freedom from other people’s expectations and a sense of serenity within yourself. Especially around the holidays, it’s important to remember that it is not your responsibility to make other people happy. It is however, your responsibility to make yourself happy!
19. Mantra: Create a mantra that brings you peace and repeat it often during the holiday season. For instance, “I am centered, calm and balanced”. Or, “I radiate warmth, light and positive energy.” Or, “I allow the joy, love and beauty of the holiday season to fill my heart and home.”
20. Breathe: Seriously, right now – take a deep breath in and let it out slowly. Repeat four more times. That felt amazing, didn’t it?