What we all need now is a traditional Christmas! You know, the one who has the perfectly chosen gifts piled up around the tree and family that warmly reminds of the year’s memories. Certainly not the one to make us anxious.
Christmas is supposed to be a fun time, but for many people, it can be a time of stress, anxiety, disappointment, or loneliness. Christmas brings with it a lot of expectations to be perfect and smiling faces with parties and gifts, but not all of us can live the Christmas we see in the movies.
Also, Christmas can bring feelings of sadness and hopelessness to people who have just lost a loved one. Some people experience loneliness, financial difficulties, or escalating family conflict during this time of the year, making it a very stressful period.
For all of these reasons, we’ve put together a list of do-it-yourself ideas to ensure your Christmas season is as joyful as you want it to be. Keep reading to feel happy instead of exhausted…
The best stress-free activities for you!
Mental health doesn’t take a vacation, and with all that adds up Stress that may accompany the holiday season, it is critical that you take care of yourself.
Relax for a while.
Stop, take a breath, and delegate! There’s no reason to do it all yourself; You will only end up tired and exhausted. Make sure you set aside some “me” time each day.
In between errands, it could be breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, walking the dog, or just sitting in the garden with a nice refreshing drink. The goal is to make time for yourself.
Laugh and enjoy yourself
It’s so easy to lose sight of what the season is all about during the mad rush leading up to Christmas – the celebration and the fun!
Traditionally, Christmas was not so much about the commercial element of buying massive amounts of gifts as it was about spending time with loved ones. After all, the point is to spend your energy appreciating the people around you.
Notice your energy.
It’s Christmas, so you may be stressed, but remember to listen to your body. Most people’s energy levels are highest in the morning and begin to decline around 3-4 pm, as a result of the body’s natural hormonal sleep and wake cycle.
When we rely on artificial energy boosters, fatigue becomes an issue. Caffeine, which produces sudden increases in cortisol and adrenaline, causes a high and a low in energy levels, which over time exhausts the adrenal glands.
Fortunately, there is a simple solution: Drink your coffee, but only one! Alternatively, you can use green tea, which is less stimulating and contains the naturally calming amino acid, L-theanine.
Moreover, make the right food choices that provide your body with sufficient energy. Instead of sugary snacks, choose whole foods, fresh fruits, nuts and seeds. You don’t have to give up all of your favorite goodies; Just make healthy choices, and your body will be better able to handle the excesses of the holidays.
Every 90 minutes, take a break!
Our bodies have a 24-hour system known as the superfast cycle, and for this cycle to work properly, it needs to take a break every 90 minutes. You cannot maintain high levels of energy if you do not relax on a routine basis. By taking a break, we mean trying to pick a pause that breaks the monotonous feeling.
You may realize that constant stress saps your energy. magnesium f b vitamins They are important supplements to help you get through the holiday season. Try incorporating these nutrients into your healthy routine right away.
Examine your general health
If you find yourself lacking motivation or not enjoying the holiday season as much as you used to, it could be due to a general lack of energy, rather than a lack of Christmas spirit.
You shouldn’t be tired all the time. This may be due to iron deficiency, megaloblastic anemia (lack of vitamin B12 or folic acid), or decreased thyroid function. Food sensitivities can also be a source of long-term fatigue. So seeing your doctor for a blood test is a good place to start.
Examine your mood
Depression and anxiety can be more prevalent around the holidays, especially if you have poor family relationships or spend the holidays alone. Consider including a 5HTP supplement in your daily regimen; It is a precursor to serotonin and helps maintain healthy serotonin levels in the brain.
Serotonin is a feel-good molecule in the brain. Low levels have been linked to depression, premenstrual syndrome, stress and anxiety, insomnia, and carbohydrate cravings. Unlike antidepressants, which recycle serotonin, 5HTP promotes serotonin production in the brain.
Take care of financial concerns
Is the holiday season draining your bank account? Here are some suggestions for managing Christmas expenses and reducing financial stress during the holiday season:
- Identify the source of your financial stress. Buying gifts and attending social gatherings can be expensive. Plan strategies to save money. You can, for example, notify your family and friends that you are buying gifts exclusively for children, or you can organize a “Secret Santa” among adults. Set a budget and stick to it.
- Find inexpensive ways to have fun: Don’t let money stop you from seeing your family and friends. If you can’t afford expensive restaurant meals or cocktail get-togethers, throw a garden barbecue or house party where everyone serves a plate of food.
Unit management
There are techniques for coping with loneliness if you are isolated or grieving the loss of a loved one during the holiday season.
- Maintain contact with friends and family. Even if you are separated by distance, you can communicate with your loved ones by phone or via the Internet.
- volunteer. Why not make a donation to a local shelter around Christmas? There are many non-profit organizations that need help. You’ll meet new people and feel good about making a difference.
- Participate in community events. Find out what’s happening in your community and get involved. Getting out and about, whether it’s Christmas carols or local markets, can help alleviate feelings of loneliness.
- Getting ready for Christmas Day. Strategize ahead of time to avoid feeling gloomy or overwhelmed on the big day. Make yourself a special breakfast, purchase a gift in advance to savor the day, attend a local church service, or take a walk in the local park to pamper yourself.
Deal with family stress
Just because you’re related doesn’t guarantee your family members will get along! Sometimes Christmas anxiety can be exacerbated by divided families and unresolved problems. Anxiety can be caused by family and relationship problems. Hence here are some suggestions for you to follow.
- Set reasonable expectations: Christmas may not be the wonderful family reunion you had planned. Plan how you will deal with any anxiety or depression that may occur.
- Prioritize your children: If you have children, consider putting aside persistent adult issues for their own sake. Consider Christmas as a children’s day, with the aim of facilitating their joy.
- Drink alcohol in moderation: While it may be tempting to overindulge during the holiday season, alcohol can also contribute to stress, anxiety, and depression. If you drink to cope, alcohol may be a problem.
- Stay away from known triggers: Don’t bring up a topic your family has a history of bickering about.
Note: If you are having trouble managing stress or anxiety, seek professional help from one of our HealthifyMe professionals.
conclusion
Recognizing and changing stressful behaviors will help you get through the holiday season. Remember to stay healthy – eating well, exercising and getting enough sleep can all help you deal with holiday stress.
Plus, the suggestions above can help you feel a little more festive this holiday season. Listen to your body, surround yourself with positive people, and most importantly, try not to take this holiday season too seriously.
“Merry and healthy birthday”
