Tips To Manage Stress During The Holidays

Although the holidays are usually one of the happiest times of the year, for many people Christmas can mean entering a period of stress and even low mood. In this article we will give you some tips to control stress during the holidays.

Christmas is a special time of the year because we have time to enjoy family and friends, we can chat and share unique moments and we are infected with the joy and energy of the children.

But at the same time, we also have to live with the pressure of preparing for these family events, the need to meet expectations and combine everything with the demands of everyday life.

Many times we demand too much of what these holidays should be like, seeking perfection and this can lead to frustration, stress and even a feeling of sadness or low mood, negatively influencing our emotional balance.

Here are some simple tips on lifestyle and eating guidelines that will help us to be happy and enjoy the holidays.

TIPS FOR MANAGING STRESS DURING THE HOLIDAYS

DON'T OVERCOMMIT

As much as it seems that you have to attend all the social parties, lunches and dinners, sometimes it is overwhelming to do it all. Therefore, it is advisable to select the things that matter the most and politely reject the things that do not. Actually, no one expects you to do it all! Many times they are impositions that we make ourselves. This will undoubtedly help us control stress during the holidays.

MAKE A BREAK

If the joy and chaos of the holidays really overwhelm you, reserve some space in your calendar to dedicate yourself. Leave time for a walk, read a book, get a massage or participate in some quiet activity that allows you to restore and regain energy.

If you regularly practice meditation or yoga, it is important to be able to maintain these activities during these days, as it will help you feel more relaxed.

KEEP THE ROUTINE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE

It is clear that on vacation we break with our routines, but especially at Christmas time is when we tend to vary our diet more and end up gaining a few extra kilos. The recommendation for these days is to go for a walk or play sports in the company of your friends or family.

Exercise and maintaining a healthy diet on days when there are no special celebrations will help you recover, maintain your weight status, and have more emotional and physical energy.

DON'T NEGLECT YOUR SLEEP

When it comes to programs and routines, one of the most important is sleep. If we neglect this healthy habit, the rest of the things we do will be more stressful and difficult to manage.

Therefore, if we follow a regular sleep schedule as much as possible, the body will better tolerate the stress that comes to us during these holidays. If we have trouble sleeping due to stress, there are food supplements formulated with natural ingredients that can help you achieve a deep and restful sleep.

Ashwagandha , belonging to Ayurvedic medicine, is an adaptogen that can be a very useful natural alternative to treat insomnia and to feel more relaxed during these dates.

PREPARE YOUR EXPENSE BUDGET FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Financial problems are one of the main causes of stress during the holiday season, as gift buying, outings and travel can place a significant burden on families.

To avoid this feeling of anguish over the economic issue, it is advisable to plan any expenses that may arise during these days. Being organized and realistic about the budget will help us not spend more than necessary and not suffer stress for this cause.

STAY ACTIVE

Very often, during the holidays we stop exercising regularly and when we have some free time we settle comfortably on our sofa with a fluffy blanket to watch television for long hours.

However, one of the best alternatives is to learn to combat anxiety and stress through physical exercise. There are numerous studies that speak of the physiological benefits of practicing sport, but it also provides many psychological and social benefits.

Do not let stress and anxiety settle in your schedule and plan a sports routine during the holidays to combat them. And if you are on vacation for a few days, remember that most hotels have sports and wellness facilities. Without a doubt, this is a good tip to control stress during the holidays.

And if you don't have a regular exercise routine, take advantage of the start of these holidays to take the leap and mark it as one of your New Year's resolutions.

ENJOY MEALS, BUT WITHOUT EXCESSES

Excessive food and drink intake during Christmas or New Year could trigger various types of stomach ailments. For this reason, during the holidays, moderation is recommended when consuming certain foods.

But since exceptional meals are necessarily made at these parties, it is preferable that we choose quality products, since these are always better digested. And on non-holiday days, try to maintain a diet that is as regular and healthy as possible. Thus, those nougats and polvorones will become a specific pleasure and not a potential source of stress when you see that you have gained a few extra kilos.

Alcohol consumption at Christmas is also a reality since when these dates arrive its consumption skyrockets. The ideal would be to barely consume alcohol due to the great damage it has to our health. The big loser is our liver, but excessive alcohol consumption also affects other organs such as the brain, pancreas or heart.

For this reason, if we cannot manage to avoid the total consumption of alcohol during the holidays, we should at least try to make a moderate and responsible consumption.

With all these tips, we are convinced that you will be able to control stress during the holidays.