The holidays can be a wonderful time of year, filled with good company, delectable food, and nostalgia. BUT it can also be stressful. There are potlucks to attend, gatherings to host, presents to buy, and holiday events to attend. For some, family dynamics can be challenging and can cause increased tension or anxiety. At work, this may also be a stressful time since the year is winding down and there may be pressure to wrap up projects or strategize for the year ahead.

How can you deal with the stress that sometimes accompanies the holidays? Try these four techniques:

1. Take a Step Back

If you can feel your anxiety rising, it’s wise to remove yourself from the situation and give yourself time to put everything in perspective. Are you stressed because your pecan pie didn’t turn out quite like you wanted? Are you upset because you’re looking for a certain gift, and it seems to be out of stock everywhere? These events might be anxiety-inducing in the moment, but do they really matter in the grand scheme of things? Not really.

Instead of dwelling on little annoyances, do your best to focus on the big picture. What is going well right now? What is working? What are you thankful for? By reframing your thoughts to focus on gratitude, you can minimize your stress and put things in perspective.

2. Set Aside “Me Time”

It’s not selfish to take care of yourself. In fact, it’s absolutely necessary! If you’re stressed to the max, exhausted, and unable to focus, you’re not going to be able to effectively help others, let alone yourself. To boost your mood and productivity, it’s a good idea to carve out some time for yourself. Find half an hour to read a book or take a bath; set aside time to exercise or partake in a favorite hobby (photography, baking, birdwatching…whatever sparks joy!).

If you find it difficult to designate “me time” for yourself, put it on the calendar! Treat it like any other appointment or commitment, and stick to it. By prioritizing your self-care, you equip yourself to be healthier and better rested (which also means you’re better equipped to help out others!).

3. Find Quiet Time

A healthy habit to develop is waking up a little early and practicing yoga or meditation. The session doesn’t have to be long (even twenty minutes or half an hour is enough time to get into a relaxed state of mind), but it should be intentional and consistent. To help you get into a groove, try following an online yoga instructor or downloading a meditation app (such as Calm or Headspace). These are approachable methods for getting a daily dose of calm before you dive into your day.

4. Shut Your Eyes

According to author Elaine Aron, “80 percent of sensory stimulation comes in through the eyes.” When you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a few moments to step aside, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing. Put a physical barrier between yourself and your stress by closing your eyes and refocusing.

Closing your eyes could also involve something entirely different: taking a nap! The Mayo Clinic lists a variety of benefits that are associated with napping, from reducing fatigue to improving memory. They do warn, however, that napping isn’t for everyone. Some people end up feeling groggy after a nap or have trouble sleeping at night if they’ve napped earlier in the day.

 

Don’t let holiday stress get to you! Try practicing one (or more) of these techniques whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or wound-up. Let’s make this a wonderful, relaxed holiday season!

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