The most joyful time of the year can also be the most stressful. The pressure of keeping up with social commitments, hosting company, and maintaining the “spirit of warmth and charity” when it comes to family can set anyone on edge. Add all this to the financial strain and an endless to-do list, and it’s no surprise that holiday celebrations can impact our wellness. High stress leads to a spike in cortisol levels that can leave us feeling sluggish, depressed, and reaching for the holiday cookies. Is it possible to have stress-free celebrations?
Give yourself the gift of health this holiday season. The Sworkit team is here to support your wellness goals for leading a mindful, stress-free holiday season. These seven simple tips will empower you to prioritize self-care while enjoying the hustle and bustle of the holidays. By showing up for ourselves, we can show up for others and truly enjoy the most wonderful time of the year.
1.) Plan Ahead
Start planning now for a productive holiday season. Organize your schedule, mark off calendar days for shopping, house cleaning, and party prep, and consider implementing a rotating family menu to divide cooking duties. Most importantly, schedule time blocks for “me time” before things get busy. Have a plan for “me time” that might include reading, relaxing, or sweating out that holiday anxiety at a workout class.
2.) Set Realistic Expectations
Avoid the urge to say “yes” to every party or occasion. Set guidelines for your schedule well in advance and don’t put too much pressure on yourself for perfection. A messy house or a store-bought dessert will do in a pinch! To make stress-free celebrations possible. focus on what truly matters to you and your family rather than getting lost in the details.
3.) Learn to Say No
Make a promise to yourself not to overcommit. Stick to your boundaries during the holiday season and practice the art of saying no. Remember, you don’t need to have plans to decline an invitation. A cozy evening to yourself is just as important. Be as kind to yourself as you are to those around you and honor your need for rest. Overextending yourself is a sure way to feel cranky, exhausted, and stressed.
4.) Create a Budget
Set a spending limit well in advance. Planning ahead will help you feel more in control of your finances. Set clear expectations for gift exchanges or consider going giftless and focusing on experiences instead. Theater outings, indoor picnics, and ice skating are great alternatives to gifts.
5.) Maintain Healthy Habits
During the holidays, it can be tempting to let healthy habits slide. However, sticking to your routine will improve your mood and overall wellness, contributing to stress-free celebrations. Key habits to maintain include eating balanced meals, getting enough sleep, and staying active, even during inclement weather. One practical tip for maintaining a healthy lifestyle is to always eat a balanced meal before holiday gatherings. That means no “saving calories.”
6.) Delegate Tasks
Responsibilities are lighter when shared! Holidays are all about fostering a sense of community. Get the whole family involved and delegate tasks so everyone gets to lend a helping hand. Assign age-appropriate duties, consider the skills and interests of everyone on your home team, and don’t be afraid to ask for input.
7.) Stay Flexible
No matter how prepared you are, there’s always room for surprises. Give yourself and those around you the grace of flexibility. When plans go awry, remember that it’s experiences of all kinds that make the holidays so memorable.
Need a little extra help staying on track this holiday season? Our team is here to support your goals year-round. Reach out to us to begin planning your seasonal health and wellness schedule. Our curated workouts and mindfulness classes are a fit for everyone on your list — even yourself!
Comment section