Our Gift to You: simple strategies to reduce stress this holiday season

With the holidays swiftly approaching we often find our stress levels rising. At Danforth East Wellness we all came together to come up with some concrete ideas to help you enjoy the holidays without as much fuss! Here are the results of our brainstorming!

    1. Get to bed at a regular hour. Turn off devices half an hour before bed to let your mind decompress. At least 7 hours of sleep helps keep our stress hormone in check, and even one night of reduced sleep can significantly increase stress.
    2. Drink enough water. Make sure to intersperse holiday merriment with hydration! Reduce sugary drinks by cutting them down or choosing sparkling water in between other drinks. Limiting your coffee or black tea intake is also important for maintaining a low stress state, especially if you’re sensitive to caffeine.
    3. Get outside for a walk. Sunshine is incredibly important if you can get out during the day. Being in nature has been proven to lower stress, regardless of time of day. At night, the lights out on houses are also a wonderful inspiration.
    4. Have meaningful conversations. Small talk can be stressful. Find a topic that is important to share with loved ones & think about a few things that make you smile. Spread your message this holiday season and be true to how you actually feel.
    5. Know your limits and maintain your boundaries. Take some time to consider what the holidays mean to you and create it. Sometimes that means saying ‘no’. Whether it’s spending time socializing, expressing your creativity in the kitchen, or doing activities with your kids, make sure your decisions are aligned with your needs and desires.
    6. Most of us don’t really need more things. Spend time together, exchange cookies or other edible items, or donate to a cause you believe in. To avoid over-spending – stick to your budget, and communicate with friends when gift exchanges are unnecessary.
    7. Don’t try to squeeze it all in! If time is a crunch, then suggest get togethers in the New Year. Yule actually extends for twelve days after Christmas!
    8. Make a list to help focus and plan. This reduces the anxiety of feeling disorganized. Journaling and writing can shift your mind away from the ‘to-do’s’ and help relieve some emotional burden.
    9. Simple stretches and yoga can help with breathing, and general anxiety. Exercise is great but don’t pressure yourself or overdo things. If feeling acutely stressed, do a brief body scan from head to toes and ask yourself “what do I need in this moment?” It could be any of the above things, so listen to your body and put yourself first.
    10. Enjoy indulging yourself. Food and festivities are meant to be enjoyed. Try not to feel guilty for participating. Be kind to yourself.

We’re also here to support you with your health needs above and beyond this list, as you require!

We hope you and your friends and families have warm wonderful holidays, and see you in the New Year.

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