It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and for some, that also means the most stressful. You know that feeling when you have holiday parties to plan for, gifts to purchase, dinner to host and it feels like you’re never ever going to stop?
During the holiday season, it’s so important to find a way to relax and recharge. So here are a few quick ways to do just that, just in time for the holidays!
Don’t strive for perfection
Sometimes ‘good enough’, is just that! Don’t always strive to be best, or perfect, especially when you’re juggling a lot of tasks. When planning your holiday season, give yourself a break and let ‘good enough’ be good enough for you. After all, is anyone really going to notice the ‘perfect’ Christmas tree, when you’re having fun with your loved ones?
Ask for help
Ask your guests for help with small things, instead of sitting around watching you run around like a headless chicken. This will make them feel useful too and will take some small tasks, like preparing drinks or greeting guests out of your hands.
Get gift wrapping!
Make your life so much easier and leave the gift wrapping to the professionals. Many stores or online shops provide gift-wrapping services, there are also organizations that wrap presents for a small fee. It’s really worth it to not have to have a last-minute wrapping frenzy!
Citrus Scents
If you’re feeling stressed out, light some lemon-scented candles, or spritz some citrus perfume. A citrus scent can instantly improve your mood and help to reduce stress, according to research
Don’t shop too much
Material gifts can often be forgotten in a year, but fun experiences with the people you love can create memories that last a lifetime. Forgo the stressful shopping trips and instead think about shared experiences you can have with your loved ones.
Don’t give up your daily de-stressors
If you usually meditate every morning or read for a while before bed - keep doing that! Keeping onto your daily habits will help you keep grounded, and gives you some ‘you’ time before you have to get another holiday chore completed.
Don’t over-indulge
Yes, we know, it’s the holiday season and that means lots of treats. But too much sugar can cause your blood sugar levels to rise and crash, leaving you feeling more stressed and anxious. Try not to over-do it, while still allowing yourself a treat.
Forget traditions that no-one likes
You may have gotten into the habit of holiday traditions, and don’t notice that your family is less than keen. If they’re dragging their feet to an event or tradition you could honestly do without, don’t worry about foregoing it this year, and think of something new and fun you can do instead.
You don’t have to home-make everything
Ordering things premade isn’t a bad thing and can save you heaps of time and stress! Maybe you don’t have time to prepare a salad or bake a dessert. Rather than stressing about this, just pick something up that you can serve straight away - your guests honestly won’t mind!
Make a change
Is there a task or event that you hate during the holidays? Try to make a change and either cut it out (who needs to send out 50+ holiday cards anyway?), enlist help, or simply try to see it in a new mindset. It might just make a difference and help you see that task as less stressful!
Think ahead for travel
If you’re going further afield for the holidays, think and prepare ahead to avoid any travel woes. If you’re driving, make sure your vehicle is in good working order and there’s not going to be any nasty surprises - and check for road closures and traffic warnings before you set off.
Flying? Arrive a good couple of hours before to avoid a last-minute dash through the airport, and arrange airport transfers so you’re not wasting time looking for an expensive car parking spot.
Do something for yourself
Don’t forget to add things that make you happy to your to-do list can make your holiday less stressful. Find a hobby or an activity you enjoy and make space for it amongst all the festivities.
Stick with what you know
A busy holiday season is not the time to experiment with something new, especially when it comes to recipes. Got something you know you’re awesome at making? Stick to it! Experimenting and trying to impress with something complicated you’ve never done before can be a recipe for well, disaster.
Saying no when necessary
Try to only say yes to important events that are meaningful to you, rather than use up all your precious free time going to events you’re not that fussed about. Keep your gatherings small and intimate, and invite only the people you want to spend the holidays with.
Get in a workout or yoga
Working out is perhaps one of the top ways to beat stress. It releases endorphins - the ‘happy’ hormone which reduces stress. Why not try one of this week's classes?
We encourage you to stay on track and keep taking care of yourself, to enjoy this month, instead of feeling overwhelmed by it and use yoga as a useful tool to alleviate holiday stress.
By Amy Cavill
Practice this relaxing FREE yoga class to help you keep your zen during this holiday season!
Slow Yoga Reset with Jackie Casal Mahrou