Tips for Navigating Holiday Stress
In a blink of an eye, Thanksgiving will be here, and Christmas is just around the corner. It is officially the holiday season! During this time of year there can be so much pressure that unfortunately the joy, magic, and meaning of the season is lost, and replaced with stress.
Life can be crazy during the holiday season, it can be hard to switch your mindset to slow down. The holiday season can bring out the best or worst in people.
Did you know, women are more likely to experience seasonal affective disorder. Self-care is so important during this hectic period to ward off those holiday blues. It’s easy to fall in the pattern of feeling overwhelmed.
Depression and anxiety statistics are at an all-time high in the United States, but something as simple as exercising will have an immediate effect on your brain.
Don’t rush around as if in fight-or-flight mode. Pay attention to what’s around you and focus on breathing. You’ll be amazed at how much calmer you'll feel.
If your family is like mine, we head to multiple family gathers on both Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. It can feel stressful to some, especially if you have little ones. If it is too much simply decline and go the next day or one family Thanksgiving, the other Christmas Eve, and someone else Christmas Day. If you're able to navigate doing multiple homes on a holiday and it does not stress you out, stick to it. Remember you are allowed to say no, don't try to please everyone and lose yourself along the way.
December is an extremely hectic month for us. My birthday, my youngest's birthday, multiple cheerleading competitions in this month, holiday parties, etc. I can start to feel my cortisol rising just thinking about it all. But again, breathe and come back to the present.
Below are some of my tips to combat the holiday stress.
Tips To Reduce Holiday Stress.
Journaling
Meditate
Hot baths
Workout
Yoga
Except imperfection
Come back to the true meaning of the holidays and what really matters
Turn off the news and social media
Have a budget and stick to it. Do not try to out do your gifts from last year. Even if you have set the standards high, reel it back in and keep to your budget.
Take me time and stick to a self care routine.
During the holidays
Take breaks from group activities. Pay attention to your own needs and feelings. Spend a little time by yourself if you can.
Keep a regular sleep, meal, and exercise schedule.
Get support if you need it. Holidays can sometimes trigger depression. Talk to a professional.
Keep up your healthy habits.
Stay active.
Rest when you need to. Say NO to things you don't want to do.
Drink your water and stay hydrated.
Take advantage of the break from work and school and be present with your kids and family. Put down the phone and take advantage of this time.
Remember to take care of yourself, this is the best decisions to make during the holiday season!
NEW ONLINE LIVE WORKSHOP
YOGA FOR ANXIETY and HOLIDAY STRESS ONLINE WORKSHOP.
In this 60 Minute workshop we will learn how to manage stress. While the holiday season can be filled with joy, it can also be a stressful time of year. I am certified in Yoga Psychology through Ashely Turner's Yoga. Psyche. Soul Training.
In this workshop we will begin with Pranayama (breath work) that will help us get grounded and relax muscle tension.
When breath work is practiced consistently it helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, also known as the rest and digest. This in turn helps slower our heart rate, reduce stress and anxiety.
Following Pranayama, we will move into a slow flow yoga practice. In slow flow yoga we hold poses longer, taking several rounds of breath in each pose calming our body and mind. Moving slowly helps balance our nervous system.
Finally I will guide a relaxing meditation to explore ways of reducing stress in our daily lives, ending in an extended Savasana.
* Couch cushions and pillows will make great props for the meditation and Savasana portion.
* This workshop is not meant to replace talk therapy with a counselor, or medication as treatment for stress and anxiety this Holiday season.
* This workshop will be live on my private Facebook page on 11/24 at 8:00am and live on my Instagram page on 11/28 at 8:00am. www.instagram.com/nikkilanigan.yogaandwellness
* Both classes are donation based. I believe yoga and fitness should be accessible to everyone especially around the holidays to help with anxiety and stress. Donations are greatly appreciated but never expected.
*If you choose to donate payments can be made through PayPal or Venmo.
PayPal - Nicole Lanigan
Venmo - @nikki-lanigan