Ways to De-Stress the Family for the Holidays

by Audrey Lee

The holidays are a time for family and friends to gather for quality time missed throughout the year. Although this is usually a happy time, sometimes it can become overwhelming with holiday shopping, meeting new people, preparing large meals and attending various parties. In this time, you need to find ways to de-stress to better enjoy family time.

If weather permits, try going for a walk. Breathing in the crisp winter air refreshes your body. Walking for at least 30 minutes a day releases endorphins, also known as the happy hormones that uplift your mood if you are feeling a lot of pressure from looming obligations. This short exercise will also make you feel better about any bad foods you may consume throughout the season. Finding time in your hectic schedule may feel impossible, but you can do it. Wake up 30 minutes earlier than normal to get in your walk before the day begins. Doing this a couple times every week will increase your energy levels and happiness. Doing 30 minutes a day is not limited to walking. Other exercises, like yoga, Zumba, swimming, kickboxing or spin, will also make you feel your best.

Family baking for holidays together © Lightfieldstudiosprod | Dreamstime.com

Another way to de-stress is by creating something. This could be anything you feel like. Try baking and decorating a cake, knitting a blanket, building a computer from scratch or making new wall art. Expressing yourself creatively can channel your holiday stress into something beautiful. Turn on some music, gather your supplies and zone out into the piece you are working on. When you are done, use the piece for yourself or gift it to someone.

Writing down how you feel can ease your mind. Sometimes people are unsure of how they are feeling. Writing it down every day can help figure out what emotion is consuming you. This could be in the form of a private journal or a creative blog where you can share your thoughts as well as any ideas you have for others to try.

A sure way of not overwhelming yourself during these months is to simply say no to things. Try not to overbook yourself to the point where you cannot breath. Do not go to every event you are invited to, only go to the ones that matter the most to you where you know you will have fun and can relax. Save time for yourself throughout the upcoming weeks to let loose and calm your mind.