(HealthyResearch.com) – Coping with holiday stress isn’t always easy, but there are ways to lessen its impact on life. The holidays are supposed to be a joyful time, but when stress gets in the way, it may really dampen the feelings of goodwill and happiness. Fortunately, coping with holiday stress in healthy ways is definitely possible.
Make Sure to Eat Right
Eating healthy doesn’t mean giving up all the “good” foods or all the holiday treats. But choosing those treats in moderation and focusing more on whole foods can help reduce stress. With too much sugar and too many carbs, it’s easy to “crash” and feel bad later. Instead of letting that affect the holiday and add to stress levels, choose mostly healthy foods and a small portion of something that’s a treat to keep you feeling better and help with a more balanced mood.
Get Moving and Burn Some Calories
Exercise is an excellent stress reliever. For some, that can mean a one-hour run before dinner. For others, it might be a 15-minute walk or some weight lifting or bodyweight exercises. It could also include stretching or a specific aerobic routine. No matter what type of exercise a person typically does, keeping up that routine around the holidays can keep stress at bay. Not only is the movement and calorie burn good, but exercise releases endorphins that may boost mood and make people feel happier.
Consider Meditation or Yoga
Meditating or doing something quiet and deliberate like yoga is another good way to reduce or cope with holiday stressors. A few minutes in the morning to set the tone for the day may work best, and some people also prefer to do yoga or meditate at night instead. The time of day isn’t as important as making time for the activity itself. The calming nature of these kinds of activities may make it easier to handle the holiday season’s stress.
Drink Plenty of Water
Water is essential for life, and it’s also an excellent choice for anyone who’s experiencing higher levels of stress. That’s because all the cells and systems in the body need water. Dehydration may cause nausea, headaches, fatigue, and other issues that can contribute to the level of stress someone feels around the holidays. There are differing opinions on how much water a person should consume every day, but most people don’t drink as much water as they should. The holidays are a great time to change that.
Add Nutrients and Supplements
Supplements and additional nutrients may be a good idea to reduce holiday stress and cope more easily. For example, many people are vitamin D deficient in the winter months due to a lower amount of sunlight. Taking vitamins and minerals, along with getting enough protein, may make stress management easier. It can also boost mood and immune health and keep a person feeling more comfortable when it comes to taking on holiday tasks.
Reducing holiday stress as much as possible is a great idea, but it’s not always possible to eliminate all of it. For the stress that can’t be removed, good coping strategies may help. By eating right, exercising, and taking some time to be intentional with meditation or other techniques, the holiday season may be simpler and less stressful. That means more time for joy, and it’s hard to get too much of that.
~Here’s to Your Health & Safety!
Copyright 2020, HealthyResearch.com
