November 1st, I stepped into a store and was immediately inundated with the strains of Christmas songs coming over the loudspeaker. It was a shock to my system! I groaned for a second just thinking of the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays and all the activity surrounding the last two months of the year. From holiday parties and gatherings to juggling family schedules to gift shopping to decorating to cooking, the holiday season seems to be packed with one event after another. It can be hard for anyone to maintain a semblance of routine or health awareness, so I compiled 5 simple tips to help me (and anyone else) lower some stress and keep health a priority this season.
1. Prioritize Sleep + Rest
I know this is a hard one! Hanging out with friends and family (often late into the night!) can be some of the most treasured moments of the holidays. But I promise you, your body will thank you if you prioritize eight hours of sleep each night. And let us not neglect the importance of rest - not necessarily sleep but moments of slowing down from the rat race to recharge. Stressful, busy seasons can leave our immunities down and our energies depleted. Take time every few days to rest your body and mind.
2. Watch Your Diet, But Enjoy Yourself
Obsessing over calories and never enjoying yourself can be just as stressful as gorging holiday treats on the daily. Adhere to your preferred diet most days but don't be afraid to indulge a couple of times over the next few months.
3. Get Moving!
Daily, hour-long workouts might or might not be possible during the holidays, but a 20 - 30 minute walk most days of the week is pretty doable. Take a quick few laps around your neighborhood before work, sneak in a stroll during your lunch break, or take the family around the block a few times after dinner.
4. Learn to Say No
Setting boundaries and not saying yes to every invitation is not being rude; it's protecting your peace. Discuss this early on with your family and decide what events are priority and what are not, and don't feel guilty for not attending every event or party.
5. Take Time for Yourself
The self-care philosophy can certainly go overboard, but taking quiet moments for yourself during the holiday season can restore the weariest souls. Get up a few minutes earlier than your family for prayer time and Bible reading, fix yourself a cup of tea or coffee and enjoy reading a chapter or two of a book, or take a long, hot shower or soak in the tub for a few each evening.
These little moments and healthy tweaks can add up to lower the stress of November and December. I hope your upcoming holiday season is filled with joy and peace!
Photo by Odiseo Castrejon on Unsplash
