The holiday season can be one of the most exciting and happy times of the year.  On the other side of the coin, the holidays can also be one of the most stressful times of year.  We may suffer physically, mentally, emotionally, financially when we feel stress in our bodies.  All of our bodily systems are affected, our nervous system, immune system, our sleep cycles, etc. with extra worries and anticipations.

Awareness of the added stress is key, so that we may manage all that we are experiencing for our health and wellbeing.

Physically, eating lots of treats with sugar is a holiday custom!  Maybe some of you have more self-discipline and don’t allow yourself to indulge during this time.  If so, good on you, but I can speak for myself, I tend to allow myself a few holiday comfort foods at this time of year.  It’s easy to put on a few extra pounds this time of year, and to feel a little more sluggish after the carb and sugar treats.

Mentally and financially, mass consciousness values shopping and gift giving. Nothing wrong with sharing gifts with those you love and care for, but it can definitely be a source of stress!

Emotionally, the holidays can bring up unfinished business with loved ones, sadness and grief for loss of loved ones, anxiety and nervous energy related to getting all of the shopping done and gift-giving ready, on top of other general emotions that we all experience daily.  We may become triggered by any number of things and we may not even know its impact on us.

I know I’ve written about this before and you’ve likely read this and already know the information, but let’s face it, “the squeaky wheel gets the grease”.  I hope these tips are helpful in some way to your or someone you care for!

• Give yourself a limit on your sugary treat intake! Most of our blood sugar levels will self-balance after a little while, so most of us will be ok to eat a few treats here and there. But remember to also eat your greens, veggies, berries, and good fats foods of avocados, olive oils, nuts and seeds, fish, so your brain is balanced out with these neuroprotective foods.
• Exercise, exercise, exercise! A 15-20-minutes’ walk a day can make all of the difference in the world! Walking up and down your stairs, around the block at your house, walking your dog, are all good ways to get out and move.  If you don’t want to brave the outdoor weather, go to the gym or watch a workout video at home.  Set time aside to do some form of exercise for your body, mind and spirit.  Exercise increases oxygen to your brain, helps memory, releases neurotransmitters from our brain like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins.  Exercise also helps keep those extra pounds off that you might tend to gain with eating extra treats.
• Give yourself permission to have a little downtime during your daily routine to read, meditate, do yoga, dance, journal, create art, play music. Downtime allows your brain to rejuvenate, replenish and rest for better problem-solving, memory, creativity, and to process what is happening in life.
• Create a holiday budget and stick to it.
• Turn gift-buying into gift-making and start a new creative holiday tradition for you and your family to create gifts together for others.
• Be kind to yourself. Realize that you can only do your best and that is good enough!
• Make sure you have the supports you need for the extra stressors, be it friends, family or professional. Stay connected with people you love and trust.  Even a phone call can make a big difference!  Isolation during the holidays can create depression, especially if you are already grieving losses.
• Stay hydrated! During the wintry months drinking enough isn’t as obvious as warmer months when we feel thirsty. Our thirst response is decreased and, perspiration evaporates more quickly in cold weather.  Drink warm and room-temperature water, lemon water, and other beverages rather than unappealing cold water on a cold day.
• Make a choice to let go of things that you can’t control. Focusing on what you can’t control creates un-needed worries that can ruminate in our minds and increase the stress in your body.
• Have fun! Play music, bake, make crafts together or other activities with family and friend and keep it fun!  Dopamine is released in our brains when we have fun which makes us feel good and remember better.

Blessings of Holiday Ease to you and your Family!