While the holiday season often brings joy, it can also bring an overwhelming sense of stress. Attending family gatherings, gift shopping, meal preparations, and year-end work responsibilities can be exhausting. However, despite the chaos, it’s important to prioritize self-care and focus on the moments of peace.

Here are some effective ways to de-stress during the holidays:

• Manage your time: Create a realistic schedule that allows for breaks and self-care. Prioritize tasks and delegate where possible to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the workload.

• Practice mindfulness: Take a few minutes each day to focus on deep breathing to restore balance and clear the mind. Try practicing mindfulness as soon as you wake up, it’s a great way to start your day.

• Prioritize financial wellness: The thought of finances during the holiday season can often cause stress. To avoid overspending, create a holiday gift budget or consider gifting someone quality time instead.

• Engage in physical activity: Exercise releases endorphins, which act as natural mood lifters. Move your body to alleviate tension and improve your overall well-being. Practical ways to move your body around the holiday season include taking additional laps around stores and incorporating squats into your cooking routine.

• Simplify the season: It’s easy to get caught up in perfectionism during the holidays, but remember that it’s okay to cut back and simplify. Simplifying might mean cooking with easier recipes or saying no to commitments that might overwhelm you.

• Take breaks from technology: Constant being online can add to stress. Devote time to disconnect, relax, and spend quality time with loved ones without the distraction of screens.

• Practice self-care: Whether it’s reading a book, taking a bubble bath, listening to music, or enjoying a hobby, allocating time for activities you enjoy is important for relaxation. Set aside one hour on your calendar each week to practice self-care.

In conclusion, the holidays should be a time for joy and celebration, not stress and anxiety. By incorporating these strategies into your life during the holiday season, it’s possible to feel more relaxed, rejuvenated, and able to fully embrace the spirit of the festivities. Remember, taking care of yourself is the best gift you can give to yourself and others during this time.