10 Ways to Combat Holiday Stress

2020 has been overwhelming. The holiday season can be overwhelming. All this adds up to one heck of an overwhelming 2020 holiday season. For many people, the best part of the holiday season is spending time with family. For others, it’s selecting gifts for their loved ones. And for still others, it might be celebrating with friends. With all of these impacted by a pandemic this year, it’s easy to understand how this year might lead to some not so festive feelings.

But fear not! Here are 10 ways to help you put the light back in to the season of lights. Practice these self-care tips and make this the best holiday season yet.

1. Get out in nature: Studies have shown that being outside lowers your stress levels, increases your happiness level, amps up your creativity and makes you more kind and patient. Plus, when it’s sunny out you increase your levels of vitamin D, and decrease your chances of Seasonal Affective Disorder.
2. Put out some holiday scents: Researchers that study depression have found that certain citrus fragrances reduce stress and increase feeling of wellbeing by increasing your levels mood enhancing hormones in your body. Try adding some orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks etc. to a pot of simmering water or a slow cooker filled with water. Or get some essential oils with orange for your diffuser.
3. Eat well: It’s okay to enjoy some of the tasties of the season, but continue to eat well most of the time.
4. Slow down: While shopping, cooking and partying are synonymous with the holidays, this year is different. Use it as an excuse to stay in and spend some quiet time visiting with friends virtually, watching funny holiday movies and even writing letters!
5. Keep your routine: Don’t stop your yoga and meditation. Staying with your routine will help you handle any stress a little more easily.
6. Create new holiday traditions: Try the customs of a different culture, get in touch with the traditions of your forebears or have the kids or grandkids come up with something new and fun.
7. Give to people you don’t know: Whether it’s time, money or talent, there are many ways to give. Don’t feel comfortable volunteering to an organization in person? Donate money to a cause you believe in or offer your unique talents behind the scenes.
8. Do your favorite things: Curl up with a good book and a cup of tea. Take an afternoon off work to spend with your favorite young person. Listen to your favorite tunes. Take a long walk. Work on an art project. Whatever it is, just do it!
9. Just say no: Don’t over extend yourself. If you take on more than you can effectively handle, you end up resenting it and you don’t give your all to anything. It’s okay to say no once in a while.
10. Continue with your mindfulness practice: Make your meditation a priority! It’s what will get you through those stressful times.