While the holidays are intended to be a time for rest and reflection, for many, the season has instead become the most stressful time of year. In fact, in a survey conducted with 2,000 Americans, a full third of respondents said they don’t even enjoy the holidays anymore. Here are some tips for how to relax this holiday season so you can begin the New Year refreshed and recharged.
Before the holiday season gets underway, spend some time thinking and talking about what you enjoy most about this time of year. From there, you can make a list of things that kept you busy last year but brought more stress than joy. For example, if you usually participate in the office holiday bake off competition, but baking really isn’t your thing, give yourself permission to opt out this year. People will understand, and you’ll have more time to focus on the things you love most about the holidays.
For activities that are still on your to-do list, consider delegating or outsourcing some of them instead of trying to do everything yourself. A cookie exchange? Purchase goodies from your favorite bakery. Finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list? Hire a professional shopper. From holiday cards and gift wrapping to light displays and cooking the family meal, the greatest gift to yourself this year could be hiring someone to help you get it all done.
Beginning and ending your day with a short, calming breathing exercise can help you sleep better and reduce stress. The best part is, once you make this practice a habit, you can naturally return to it at any point in your day, whether you’re trying to meet a work deadline or need to recenter during a large family gathering. The 4-7-8 method can be done discreetly wherever you are. Take a deep breath in through the nose for four seconds, hold your breath for seven seconds, and exhale through the mouth for eight seconds. You’ll immediately feel a new sense of wellness and perspective to help you accomplish whatever the day requires.
Whether you’re walking through a community light display or sipping coffee on the patio, spending just two hours a week outdoors has been shown to deliver a variety of health and wellness benefits, including a reduction in stress and depression, improved sleep, and a boosted immune system. Tuuci shade products are designed to create relaxing outdoor escapes you can enjoy through every season. Many Tuuci parasols and cabanas can also include heating and lighting features so, even in cold winter months, you can remain comfortable while taking some cleansing breaths of outdoor air.
Maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise can be difficult through the holiday season, but times of high stress are when it’s most important to keep up with these routines. On top of boosting your mood, exercise will increase your energy and improve sleep, so you feel ready to keep up with your hectic holiday calendar.
While you’re filling up your calendar with school recitals and office parties, be intentional about scheduling time for your own pampering and relaxation. Aromatherapy massage is said to be one of the best techniques for relieving stress and anxiety. The oils most known for their relaxation effect include geranium, lavender, and chamomile. It may feel like you’re just adding one more thing to your to-do list, but this one will help you make sure you’re actually enjoying your time through the holiday season, instead of just hopping from one task to the next.
The end of the year is always a busy time, both at work and in our personal lives. The key to relaxing through the holiday season is finding a healthy balance between what needs to be done and what brings you joy and contentment. Consider these ideas and add a few of your own strategies to ensure you’re truly embracing this beautiful time of year.
