Stress Relief Tips for the Holidays
For many people the holidays equal stress.
Even in a normal year, the shopping, wrapping, planning, and dealing with family if you have complicated relationships, can really spike our stress hormones. This can make us feel agitated, depressed, and unmotivated. Feelings we’re already working through because of the pandemic.
Here are a few ideas to help bring more ease to your holiday and your stress levels.
Enjoy the great outdoors with a brisk walk
Play with your pet
Grab some quiet time alone
Unplug from your devices and hit your own reset button
Try an online yoga class (I have some starting in January!)
Make a healthy meal and enjoy each bite
Take a dance break — sing or dance to your favorite songs
Try adding a new exercise to your
Be a kid again and put some playtime into your day
Meditate
Bake your favorite dish and enjoy it
Call or text a friend
Laugh, it really is the best medicine!
Watch a new tv show or movie (The Queen’s Gambit is great!)
Spend time with your family if they bring you joy
Start a game night tradition, find those old board games or try Houseparty for virtual games
Read your favorite book
Listen to your favorite holiday music
Light a candle, dim the lights and relax
Hydrate your body throughout the day
Prioritize sleep and get an adequate amount each night
Incorporate stretching into your day
Do something nice for someone else
Delegate some of your to-do’s to someone else
Water your house plants
Try a new hobby, such as macramé
Cuddle and hug pets
Organize items in your home
Get takeout and skip cooking tonight
Find some crayons or paint and let your creativity flow
Listen to an entertaining podcast (I recommend Throughline if you love history)
Clean out your closet
Play a video game
Practice deep breathing exercises
Take a hot bubble bath or shower
Whether it’s a tip from this list or something else, I wish you a stress less holiday!
No idea what to cook next week? Check out these two FREE 7-day meal plans.