The holiday season can be a lot of fun with the festive spirit, but it can also be very stressful. All the presents to buy, the family gatherings, and most importantly, all the weight we put on ourselves about spending money we don’t have. But it doesn’t have to be this way!
In order to reduce the Christmas stress, here are some tips for how to stay on top of your priorities, how to make sure you don’t overindulge and fall off your healthy eating plan and how to stay calm in any situation.
How to Reduce the Christmas Stress with Simple Changes
1. Take a break from everything and go for a walk/run
Taking time out for yourself every once in a while is crucial for your mental and physical health. So, get up from your desk, take a break and go for a walk/run.
2. Take a bath or shower and unwind
The perfect time to relax is right after a long day. And what better way to decompress than with a hot bath or shower? A relaxing soak can help you rejuvenate, reduce stress, and encourage better sleep patterns.
3. Throw away excess clutter from your home or office space
You may not realise it, but your cluttered home or office space can have a negative impact on your productivity. Clutter can be distracting and can prevent you from focusing on what needs to be done. Reducing the clutter in your space will allow you to feel more relaxed and productive.
4. Have a healthy meal full of protein to help boost your mood and strength up your immune system!
Protein plays a key role in building and repairing cells and tissues, which is why it’s so important to include sufficient protein in your diet. Protein also helps rebuild muscle tissue, which can be helpful after a workout. The healing effects of protein can help you feel more energetic and reduce the risk of feeling some of the mood swings that come with low blood sugar levels or sugar cravings.
5. Make plans for the day ahead with friends, family, or co-workers!
A good way to spend time with friends, family, or co-workers is to plan for the day ahead. One of the most popular ways to plan for the day ahead is to do so through an activity. Activities can range from playing having a game night, going to the beach, for a walk or even just chilling out in front of Netflix. Whatever you choose to do on this day of bonding will be something.
6. Enjoy your food
That’s right. You’ve probably spent a lot of time and energy making the meals so take your time to enjoy them. Savour it and taste the flavours. Mindful eating is about being grateful for your food, your body, and your experience. By observing what you eat when you’re not hungry, you can make better choices in the future.
7. Set a budget and stick to it.
The holiday season is about spending time with loved ones, but it can also be about overspending. When shopping for gifts, always think of your budget and set a maximum price for each person. This will help you stay on track and prevent you from overpaying for items that are not worth the expense.
The first and most important thing to do though is to be aware and manage your expectations. Make a list for yourself and set goals. Don’t take on any more tasks than you can handle.
