By USDR
During the festive period, it’s all too easy to get overwhelmed. A flurry of social events, work stress, and the height of cold and flu season can really take a toll on your mental and physical well-being. Add shorter, darker days and a change to your usual eating and sleeping habits, and you could feel downright lousy. Here are a few tips to help you stay happy, healthy, and positive. A little self-care can go a long way towards letting you really relax and enjoy the holiday season.
- It’s ok to say no.
The first step for relaxing during the holidays is to know that you don’t have to say yes to every invitation that hits your inbox. If you don’t have time to plan the school pageant or attend your third cousin’s cocktail party, then don’t commit to these events. Say yes to events you’ll really enjoy, with friends and family you want to spend time with. Don’t feel guilty about turning down invites, as it will only free you up to be there for the things that are high priorities for you.
- Get the kids involved with holiday party planning.
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Get the whole family involved! It’s ok to ask for help, and it may actually help bring the family together. At this time of year, it can seem like the calendar’s jam-packed with children’s parties and get-togethers. If you’re planning a party of your own for the kids, get them to share their ideas and help with decorating. Sure, you may end up wearing adult Disney princess costumes when your 5-year-old daughter plans the party, but it will help take the stress out of planning everything yourself.
- Don’t take yourself too seriously.
Along these same lines, it’s easy to take yourself really seriously at this time of year. We all have a perfect image of a white Hollywood-style Christmas in our minds that few of us can live up to. So your tree is a bit crooked or your gingerbread men look a bit wonky. It’s ok – embrace the silliness and try to have some fun with it. If you need encouragement, try putting on one of these Funidelia funny adult fancy dress costumes or wearing an ugly holiday sweater to get in the spirit!
- Stick to your regular routine.
Lots of us use the holidays as an excuse to skip our usual gym routine or to stay up late. With a packed schedule and fewer daylight hours on hand, it’s only natural that a healthy routine can fall by the wayside. So enjoy your Christmas cookies, but fill your plate with brussels sprouts too. If you make time to get up early and do yoga before work in the springtime, there’s really no good reason not to do it in the winter. You’ll feel more focused and on track.
- Enjoy the little things.
The holiday season’s all about the small details that signify this time of year, whether it’s the scent of gingerbread or the sight of twinkly lights. Slow down and take the time to really enjoy them. You’ll be reminded of old holiday memories by using all five of your senses, and perhaps even be inspired to make new ones!
And if all else fails, make time for “me” time and indulge in a massage or bubble bath to forget about your to-do list for a while. You deserve it.
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