Running on empty this holiday season? Try to de-stress, beat holiday stress and slide into the New Year feeling your best!
I am trying my best to make sure I am not overshadowed by crazy schedules and a tired mama who's burnt out from running around and non-stop cooking in the kitchen.
So if that is you, or someone you don't want to be this holiday season, first of all I GET you and second of all, I am happy to share you my practical, stress free holiday tips to help you minimize the stress and have a joyful rest of the year. Share these tips with a loved one to!
Instead of letting it get the best of you, take charge of the season’s stressors with these tips to remain mindful during the holiday season
1. It starts with you, so stay present
The energy you send out – your thoughts, words, and feelings creates your experience. You are responsible for the quality of your own life. This is a natural process called the Law of Attraction. What you send out, you get back! This year it's more important than ever to fill yourself up first before trying to uplift others.
At this time of giving to others, don't forget to also be generous with yourself. Replace negative self-talk with the same words you would say to a good friend. Become the observer and try your best not to react. By taking a conscious break, you will send a signal to your unconscious mind that your well-being matters, too.
2. Relax and be kind to yourself
Carve out time for yourself each week to "do nothing" or to do those things that serve YOU. Your thoughts are the only thing standing in your way. They are your biggest road blocks so its good to evaluate and let go of the ones not serving you. I LOVE to use Doterra Adaptiv essential oil in the diffuser to help me wind down and relax. It's perfect for life's most stressful moments (especially with all the holiday stress).
3. Practice Better Sleep
Get a jump-start on a healthy New Year by resolving to prioritize sleep during the holidays. Practicing sleep hygiene is important for both physical and mental health. By implementing a few conscious and consistent nightly habits, you'll be headed in the right direction for a great tomorrow.
Consider cutting back on screen time and avoid exposure to unnatural light, especially blue light from screens, atleast 2 hours before bed. These lights alter your body's circadian rhythm, your natural, internal synchronization with the sun.
Keep your bed sheets fresh between washings by making a relaxing aromatherapy spray. This is my favorite one and so easy to make DIY.
Add about 6 drops of Lavender or Serenity and 4 drops of Cedarwood to a 30ml spray bottle. Add 2 tsp of witch hazel and top off with water. Mist sheets and pillowcases when you make your bed in the morning and once again before bed. These scents will calm your mind and signal your body that it's time to relax.
4. Don’t take anything personally
Everyone reacts from their perspective, including you. Remain in your energy this holiday season, and don’t take in everyone else’s emotions. Do your best to practice not taking anything personally. Allow people to stay in their feelings while you take responsibility for yours.
5. Eat Nutritious Food
It's always important to eat clean, nutrient-dense food. Even though a cookie tray may always be within reach, don't risk a dip in your health by skipping real food over the holidays. Many of the holiday dishes have lots of sugar and when eaten in excess it can wreak havoc on your health. Keep a focus on balance by eating clean, plant-based whole foods for most of your regular meals. While you're busy with your holiday task list, don't forget to stay hydrated to. I love adding Lemon essential oil to my water, its a good habit. Keep a refillable water bottle on-hand and aim for drinking around 4 liters a day.
6. Make Time for Exercise
With extra demands on your time creating changes to your normal routine, it's more important than ever to schedule your workouts. Resolve to prioritize "me time" so that it doesn't fall off your calendar. Find an exercise buddy to help you stay committed. The benefits of exercise aren't just physical, they can also help you to better manage the pressure and tension of the holidays. Routine physical activity is associated with improved mood and reduced feelings of stress, anxiety and depression.
Another option to endure a stress free holiday is the relaxing effects of magnesium that can improve your quality of sleep and relieve muscle tension.
7. Get Outside
Most of the tissues in our body are regulated by vitamin D3 through photosynthesis. To reduce your risk of autoimmune and musculoskeletal diseases, as well as to help you de-stress naturally, make it a point of getting outside and spend time outdoors. Try taking a walk through your neighborhood to see the holiday lights or walk through a seasonal display in your town. Grab your dog and hit a trail. Cold weather prevents you from being able to produce vitamin D via your skin, a supplement may be necessary (this one is the the cleanest and my fav) but getting outdoors is preferred!
8. Focus on Traditions
With the modern emphasis on gift-giving, it may be easy to forget what this time of year is truly about. If you feel overwhelmed by expectations and a long to-do list, take a break from the noise and refocus on your personal and family traditions. By refocusing on your true values instead of what the media says you should be focused on, you can de-stress and connect with the true meaning of the holidays. Feeling a sense of connection is vital to your mental health and well-being, so lets all begin my enjoying a stress free holiday.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays my beautiful friends! xo