What we all need right now is a traditional Christmas! You know, the one with the perfectly chosen presents piled around the tree and the family warmly reminiscing about the year. Certainly not the one that makes us anxious.
Christmas is supposed to be a joyful 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, smiling faces with parties and presents, but not all of us can live up to those Christmases we watch in movies.
Additionally, Christmas can bring out feelings of grief and despair in people who have just lost a loved one. Some people experience feelings of loneliness, financial difficulties, or increased family conflict during this time of year, making it an extremely stressful time.
For all these reasons, we’ve compiled a list of DIY ideas to make sure your Christmas time is as merry as you want it to be. Read on to feel thrilled rather than overwhelmed…
The ultimate stress-free activities for you!
Mental health doesn’t take a vacation, and with all the added benefits stress that could accompany the holiday season, it is essential to take care of yourself.
Relax for a moment.
Stop, breathe and delegate! There is no reason to do everything yourself; you will end up being tired and exhausted. Be sure to schedule time for yourself each day.
Between runs it can be breathing exercises, meditation or yoga, walking the dog or just sitting in the garden with a nice refreshing drink. The goal is to take time for yourself.
Laugh and have fun
It’s all too easy to lose sight of what the season is during the mad Christmas rush – celebration and FUN!
Traditionally, Christmas was not so much about the business of buying huge amounts of gifts as it was about spending time with loved ones. After all, the goal is to expend your energy enjoying the people around you.
Take note of your energy.
It’s Christmas, you may be tired, but remember to listen to your body. Most people’s energy levels are highest in the morning and begin to decline around 3-4pm, due to the body’s normal hormonal sleep-wake cycle.
When we rely on artificial energy boosters, fatigue becomes a problem. Caffeine, which produces sudden spikes in cortisol and adrenaline, causes energy to spike and dip, depleting the adrenal glands over time.
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 relaxing amino acid, L-theanine.
Additionally, make appropriate food choices that provide your body with adequate energy. Instead of sugary snacks, opt for whole foods, fresh fruits, nuts and seeds. You don’t have to give up all your favorite goodies; just make healthier choices, and your body can cope better with the holiday excesses.
Every 90 minutes, take a break!
Our body has a 24-hour clock known as the ultradian cycle, and for this cycle to work properly you need to take a break every 90 minutes. You can’t maintain high energy levels if you don’t relax regularly. By break, we mean trying to opt for a break that prevents the feeling of monotony.
You probably know that continuous stress saps your energy. Magnesium and B vitamins are important supplements to help you get through the holiday season. Try to immediately incorporate these nutrients into your wellness routine.
Examine your general health
If you’re 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. It could be iron deficiency, megaloblastic anemia (a lack of B12 or folate), or low thyroid function. Food allergies can also be a source of long-term fatigue. Therefore, seeing your doctor for a blood test is a good place to start.
Examine your mood
Depression and anxiety can also be more prevalent during the holidays, especially if you have poor family relationships or are spending the holidays alone. Consider including a 5HTP supplement in your daily regimen; it is a precursor to serotonin and helps maintain healthy levels of serotonin in the brain.
Serotonin is a feel-good molecule in the brain. Low levels have been linked to depression, PMS, stress, anxiety, insomnia, and carbohydrate cravings. Unlike antidepressants, which recycle serotonin, 5HTP promotes the production of serotonin in the brain.
Support for financial worries
The holiday season drains your bank account? Here are some suggestions for managing your Christmas spending and reducing financial stress during the holiday season:
- Determine the source of your financial stress: Buying gifts and attending social gatherings can be expensive. Plan strategies to save money. You can, for example, advise your family and friends that you only buy gifts for children, or you can organize a “Secret Santa” between adults. Set and stick to a budget.
- Find inexpensive ways to have fun: Don’t let money keep you from seeing your family and friends. If you can’t afford expensive restaurant meals or cocktails, host a barbecue in the park or a house party where everyone provides a plate of food.
Managing loneliness
There are techniques for overcoming loneliness if you are isolated or mourning the loss of a loved one over the holidays.
- Maintain contact with your friends and family. Even if you are separated by distance, you can communicate with your loved ones by phone or online.
- Volunteer. Why not lend a hand at a local shelter around Christmas? Many non-profits need help. You will meet new people and feel good about making a difference.
- Participate in community events. Learn about what’s happening in your community and get involved. Getting out and about, whether to Christmas carols or local markets, can help alleviate loneliness.
- Making preparations for Christmas Day. Strategize ahead of time to avoid feeling gloomy or overwhelmed on the big day. Prepare yourself a special breakfast, buy a gift in advance to enjoy it the same day, attend a local church service or take a stroll in the local park to be pampered.
Manage family tensions
Just because you’re related doesn’t mean your family members will get along! Sometimes Christmas anxiety can be heightened by divided families and unresolved issues. Anxiety can be triggered by family and relationship issues. So here are some suggestions to follow.
- Set reasonable expectations: Christmas may not be the wonderful family reunion you expected. Plan how you will handle any anxiety or depression that may arise.
- Prioritize your children: If you have children, consider setting aside lingering adult issues for them. Think of Christmas as a day for children, with the aim of facilitating their joy.
- Drink alcohol in moderation: Although it can be tempting to overdo it during the holidays, alcohol can contribute to stress, anxiety and melancholy. If you drink to cope, alcohol can be a problem.
- Stay away from recognized triggers: Don’t bring up a topic your family has bickered about in the past.
Note: If you are having difficulty managing your 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. Don’t forget to stay healthy – eating well, exercising and getting enough sleep can all help you cope 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 festive season too seriously.
“Merry and a healthy Christmas for you all”