Tips to manage stress during the holidays

Although the holidays are usually one of the happiest times of the year, for many people Christmas can mean entering a period of stress and even low mood. In this article we will give you some tips to control stress during the holidays. Christmas is a special time of year because we have time to enjoy family and friends, we can chat and share unique moments and we are infected by the joy and energy of children. But at the same time, we also have to live with the pressure of preparing for these family events, the need to meet expectations and combine everything with the demands of everyday life. Many times we demand too much of what these holidays should be like, seeking perfection and this can lead us to frustration, stress and even a feeling of sadness or low mood, negatively influencing our emotional balance. Below we show you some simple tips on lifestyle and dietary guidelines that will help us be happy and enjoy the holidays.

TIPS TO CONTROL STRESS DURING THE HOLIDAYS

DON'T OVERCOMMIT

As much as it may seem like you have to attend all the social parties, lunches and dinners, sometimes it can be overwhelming to do it all. Therefore, it is advisable to select the things that matter most and politely reject those that do not. In reality, no one expects you to do it all! Many times they are impositions that we make ourselves. This will undoubtedly help us control stress during the holidays.

MAKE A BREAK

If the joy and chaos of the holidays really overwhelm you, reserve some space in your calendar to dedicate to yourself. Leave time to walk, read a book, have a massage, or participate in some quiet activity that allows you to restore and regain energy. If you regularly practice meditation or yoga, it is important to be able to maintain these activities during these days, as it will help you feel more relaxed.

KEEP THE ROUTINE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE

It is clear that during the holidays we break our routines, but especially at Christmas time is when we tend to vary our diet more and end up gaining a few extra kilos. The recommendation for these days is to go for a walk or play sports in the company of your friends or family. Exercise and maintaining a healthy diet on days when there are no special celebrations will help you recover, maintain your weight status, and have more emotional and physical energy.

DON'T NEGLECT THE SLEEP

When it comes to programs and routines, one of the most important is sleep. If we neglect this healthy habit, the rest of the things we do will become more stressful and difficult to manage. Therefore, if we follow a regular sleep schedule as much as possible, the body will better tolerate the stress that comes to us during these holidays. If we have problems sleeping due to stress, there are food supplements formulated with natural ingredients that can help you get a deep and restful sleep. Ashwagandha , belonging to Ayurvedic medicine, is an adaptogen that can be a very useful natural alternative to treat insomnia and to feel more relaxed during these dates.

PREPARE YOUR HOLIDAY EXPENDITURE BUDGET

Financial problems are a major cause of stress during the holiday season, as gift buying, outings and traveling can place a significant burden on families. To avoid this feeling of anguish due to economic issues, it is advisable to plan any expenses that may arise during these days. Being organized and realistic about the budget will help us not spend more than necessary and not suffer stress because of this.

STAY ACTIVE

Very often, during vacations we stop exercising regularly and when we have free time we settle comfortably on our sofa with a fluffy blanket to watch television for long hours. However, one of the best alternatives is to learn to combat anxiety and stress through physical exercise. There are numerous studies that talk about the physiological benefits of practicing sports, but it also provides many psychological and social benefits. Don't let stress and anxiety take over your schedule and plan a sports routine during the holidays to combat them. And if you are on vacation for a few days, remember that most hotels have sports and wellness facilities. Without a doubt, this is good advice to control stress during the holidays. And if you don't have a regular exercise routine, take advantage of the beginning of these holidays to take the leap and mark it as one of your resolutions for the new year.

ENJOY MEALS, BUT WITHOUT EXCESS

Eating excessive food and drink during Christmas or New Year could trigger various types of stomach ailments. Therefore, during the holidays, moderation is recommended when consuming certain foods. But since exceptional meals are necessarily made during these holidays, it is preferable that we choose quality products, since these are always better digested. And on non-holiday days, try to maintain as regular and healthy a diet as possible. Thus, those nougats and powders will become a one-time pleasure and not a potential source of stress when you see that you have gained a few extra kilos. Alcohol consumption at Christmas is also a reality since when these dates arrive, its consumption skyrockets. The ideal would be to barely consume alcohol due to the great harm it has for our health. The biggest loser is our liver, but excessive alcohol consumption also affects other organs such as the brain, pancreas or heart. Therefore, if we cannot avoid total alcohol consumption during the holidays, we should at least try to consume it moderately and responsibly. With all these tips, we are convinced that you will be able to control stress during the holidays.