It’s December and chances are good that you’re caught up the holiday spirit. Whether you’re doing some last minute shopping for your friends, bouncing from party to party, or feeling the pressure of the upcoming year, this holiday season is bound to take a toll on your body. While the holidays are often describes as the most wonderful time of the year, they can also result in a dramatic increase in stress.
Stress is the response in your body triggered by all of the demands that you put on it. So it’s only natural that a hectic holiday season can only mean more stress in your body. This surge in stress levels can cause increased heart rate, breathing, and sweat production. It can also cause your muscles to tense and your metabolism to slow down, something no one needs during a time where snacks seem to be around every corner.
Here are a few tips to help fight holiday stress, allowing you to fully enjoy this holiday season:
1. Having good Nutrition: This time of the season often means a mass consumption of carbohydrates which the body can’t convert nutritionally. That means more fat around the middle from too much sugar in the blood, and significant energy loss. Cutting back on your holiday intake, especially that of the dessert variety, and increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables can have a positive effect on your body.
2. Exercise: Winter time often means a decline in exercise for most, and with exercise as one of the primary stress reducer it is important to get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days to help combat the rigors this holiday season. If you can’t fit a workout into your busy holiday season, a simple walk can work wonders on your body and mind.
3. Set priorities and plan accordingly: Holiday seasons can be hectic because of the number of responsibilities added on to our daily routine. Setting up a list to help delineate what is most vital and considering what is truly important this holiday season can be a quick and easy solution to cut down on stress.
4. Get the right amount of sleep: Once you have started to create your list of things to do, don’t forget to add sleep. Getting that recommended 8 hours of sleep can do wonders for your body, and during a stressful holiday season it can keep us relaxed and more focused on what’s important this holiday season.
5. Positive Mindset: It is the holiday season after all and having a negative attitude can only hinder your holiday experience. Having a positive attitude is not only the catalyst for the 4 steps above but it is also the groundwork for having a fantastic holiday with your family and friends.
