5 Tips on How to Manage Holiday Stress

5 Tips on How to Manage Holiday Stress
By Dr. Peter Klapper Ph.D


It’s that time again! The most wonderful time of the year full of holiday parties, delicious treats, and visiting family and friends. However, while keeping busy this holiday season can be a lot of fun, it also can be draining. That’s why we’re listing “5 Tips on How to Manage Holiday Stress.”

1. Be Realistic and Know Your Limits
At the beginning of the holiday season, it’s easy to commit to every party you’re invited to in the coming months. This time of year, is exciting, so the more parties the merrier, right? Not necessarily. People can experience fatigue from attending too many social events, so it’s important to understand what is realistic for you. It’s okay to say no if your schedule is feeling too packed.

Be careful to not overwhelm yourself and be honest with what you can handle. For some, that might look like one party per weekend, for others, maybe only a few social gatherings the entire holiday season. If you’re still struggling to come up with a plan, prioritize your schedule. Perhaps it’s worth it to you to ditch the office party for a smaller gathering with friends.

Does your family stress you out? Limit how much time you can comfortably spend with them this season and prioritize other gatherings that bring you joy.  Again, it’s important to be realistic with yourself on what your agenda looks like this month so you can enjoy the gatherings - not feel exhausted. 

2. Exercise 

Nothing helps bring down stress levels than exercising. Feeling overwhelmed? Take a walk outside.  A brisk winter walk filled with fresh air can not only be a great way to move your body, but a little sun exposure can help with fighting off seasonal affective disorder.

3. Eat Well
The holidays can be filled with sugary treats and tasty cocktails. However, remember it’s important to consume these items in moderation. If you experience chronic migraine, foods such as the above can be a recipe for an attack. Plus, chronic illness aside, foods filled with sugars can also weaken your body’s ability to respond to stress. It can also increase your risk for developing depression.

That said, enjoy the holiday snacks in moderation, but also try and keep to your normal food intake schedule with lots of small meals to promote more energy.

4. Take Time to Recharge
With all the hustle and bustle that comes with the holidays, this is a gentle reminder that you’re allowed to take a break. Do something that helps you recharge and destress, whether that is making a massage appointment or prioritizing a yoga class. Maybe destressing for you is just finding a quiet hour in the evening to do something that relaxes you like reading a book, taking a bubble bath, or watching your favorite show.

If you’re still needing a sigh of relief, try our Calm Mood relief oil that helps to reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, worry, nervous tension, irritability, and any overwhelming feelings of everyday life without drowsy or sluggish side effects.

3. Get Enough Sleep
No matter the season, it’s always important that you’re getting enough sleep. Sleep can make you happier, smarter, and overall healthier. By going to bed at the same time each night, it helps with your brain’s circadian performance the next day, allowing you to be more productive and process more information. And with enough sleep, you’re in better shape to fight off everyday stressors.

However, if the stress from the holidays is keeping you awake at night, try our roll-on sleep aid. It works wonders when you’re trying to get to sleep, and you will wake feeling refreshed.



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