The holiday season is a big and important time for most families. There are many things on our to do list, shop for gifts, plan family gatherings, cook fabulous meals, remain happy and bubbly! For some, this can be a big source of stress coupled with other life factors. I've put together a list of a few small things that you can do to reduce your holiday stress. Check them out below.
Eat healthy meals
As much as we would probably love to live on coffee alone, our bodies will repay us by being sluggish and cranky. In order to survive the holidays, we have to start waking up and preparing a healthy breakfast for ourselves and the family. Oatmeal is always a family favorite, it's easy to make and is nutritious. Also, have a plan in mind for lunch and dinner so you won't feel rushed later into the day and turn to eating junk food.
Get a good nights sleep
This is easier said than done. I'm normally an early sleeper and an early riser but lately I've been finding myself going to bed at 11pm sometimes! Going to sleep this late makes me exhausted in the morning. To help myself go to sleep earlier, I've been putting down my phone and turning off my computer at about 8pm, this helps with being able to relax my mind. A cup of chamomile tea helps with relaxation. Having a nighttime routine for your children will not only be beneficial for their sleep habits but will also help you sleep better. If the kids are in the bed at a certain time every night, then you will begin to unwind at a certain time every night, leading to longer and better sleep.Reduce time on social media
The holidays are some of the best times to look at beautiful pictures of happy families, fabulous gifts, and extravagant vacations on social media. But, these beautiful pictures can sometimes lead to feelings of enviousness, unworthiness, and even jealousy if you begin to compare your life to those in the pictures. We have to remember that social media is a highlight reel of your life's best moments and even though someone's life may seem "perfect", we should be grateful for the life that we currently have. Reducing time spent on social media will improve your feelings of gratefulness and overall self worth.
Say "NO" to some holiday activities
This is a big one for me! My little lady and I are always on the go, we love exploring and attending different events around the city. I'm getting emails daily about holiday plays, tree lightings, parades, holiday parties, and Santa visits. Of course, I want to take my daughter to ALL the holiday things, but I have to learn to say no! Mainly because Atlanta traffic can be so terrible, it makes a typical 20 minute ride drag out for 30 and 45 minutes! Another reason is because my pockets just can't handle all the things and holiday gifts lol. So we have to choose! I'm picking a few free and affordable events to attend during the holidays and I am saying "no" to anything that makes me feel stressed about going.
Spend time with your friends
Yes, the holidays are for spending time with your family, but don't let your friendships fall to the backburner! Hanging out with friends can be a refreshing twist to daily mom life. So plan a few friend dates this holiday season!
All of these sound perfect for slowing down during this holiday season. Good reminder for all year long
ReplyDeleteDefinitely going to bed more earlier is a great tip.
ReplyDeleteYesss! Its crazy how stressful the holidays can be! I will definitely be trying these tips, especially beig able to say 'no' to some things...
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great reminder! The holidays are always so stressful for me. Remembering to say no things is a big one for me!
ReplyDeleteAll great tips. I'm definitely someone who needs to make sure they get enough sleep. And I wish I could do all the holiday things, but I'd be stressed out (and broken) if I did!
ReplyDelete-Lauren
www.shootingstarsmag.net
Boy did I need this. I love the holidays but by the end of the season, I fee like I've been through SEVERAL wringers.
ReplyDeleteAll these tips make so much sense to me especially reducing time on social media. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteChad
www.mosaicslab.com
Oh this was desperately needed! We're traveling to my mom's for Christmas this year, and there is sure to be some kind of stress waiting for us.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of slowing down during the busy holiday season! It's hard to commit to everything in such a short period of time. Great tips!
ReplyDeleteReally great tip about saying 'no' to somethings, sometimes we just feel like we have to do everything during the holidays and that time off doesn't really feel like time off at all! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteit's weird how the holidays stresses us out but yeah, I'm finding it so hard getting not enough sleep with all the activities
ReplyDeleteI think spend time with your friends is the hardest one for me this month as I am doing so much for the family. Need to remember not to forget them
ReplyDeletethis is such a great reminder! we get so caught up in the stresses of the holidays!
ReplyDeleteI need to use ALL of these! My sleep is so off and if it was better, I'd feel so much better!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great post and very informative too. We must all remember and give this us a guidelines to help us reduce stress not just this holiday season but for all season.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post! The holidays can be so stressful so it is a good reminder to keep things simple :)
ReplyDeleteThese are such great tips! You need to take care of yourself, especially over the holidays.
ReplyDeleteSaying no is a BIG ONE! Great tips!
ReplyDeleteI love these tips and self care is a great gift for yourself :) great post!!
ReplyDeleteGreat list! Saying "no" to some holiday activities is the hardest for me! I need to be better about learning to say no sometimes.
ReplyDeleteI think that the better way to reduce stress during holidays is just to stay with your family and spend time playing games and relaxing.
ReplyDeleteAll of these activities are really good and I tried it to relieve stress. One more technique that gives you good results is massage of stress relief oil.
ReplyDelete