Oh, the holidays. While undoubtedly a wonderful time of year – who doesn’t love reconnecting with family and friends? – it’s also very stressful. Whether due to all the unhealthy temptations, the financial burdens of gift-giving/hosting parties, or feeling drained after an abundance of forced socialization, there’s an uptick in anxiety and even depression around this time of year. By now you’re probably wondering how to enjoy the holidays while avoiding all that dreary stuff? Well, you’ve come to the right blog! Get ready for some suggestions on how to stay sane during the holidays:
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Smile – Even When You Don’t Feel Like It This one’s easy. The face we make – whether it be happy or sad – actually influences how we feel, react to situations, and more. For example, the simple act of consciously smiling releases endorphins that make us feel happier and less stressed. Beyond that, smiling is an attractive expression, and a contagious one at that. People don’t remember what you say or do nearly as much as the way you make them feel. So smile – there’s literally no downside to doing so!
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Think Positively, Even When Things Don’t Go as Planned According to Harvard, for every negative comment, about six positive ones are needed to outweigh it. Negative thoughts narrow your focus, but do so in a way that limits what you’re able to see in the world. While this is helpful in the face of an immediate threat, too much negativity will eventually adversely affect your health and limit opportunities for personal growth. Positive thinking results in the opposite. Instead of restricting you, it opens your mind to see possibilities, which in turn allow you to grow. Further, positivity helps to bring out the best in everyone you interact with. Nobody likes a negative Nancy; be a happy Hank instead!
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Be Grateful Sure, at the end of each year it’s easy to dwell on everything we fell short of accomplishing, but what good comes from that? Does it change anything? No. Instead, try focusing on all that you have to be thankful for. Not only is practicing gratitude scientifically proven to boost your physical and mental health, but it makes the people around you feel good too!
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Live in the Moment The holidays are about experiences and people, but oftentimes we spend so much time thinking about the future that we miss what’s happening around us. Relax, focus on the now, and enjoy the little things. You might just make a memory that will last a lifetime! In addition to reducing stress, living in the moment yields an array of long-term benefits, such as boosting the immune system and lowering blood pressure. Plus, individuals who do so have higher levels of self-esteem and happiness.
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Realize You Can’t Please Everyone Making too many commitments is one surefire way to become overwhelmed. Take this time to do what makes you happy! You have the power to say no to people – exercise it. Reducing your obligations both minimizes stress and allows you to put more energy into the activities you care about most.
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Don’t Overindulge Did you know that Americans drink more alcohol during the winter –particularly on winter holidays – than during any other time of the year? We all have a story about the time someone got too inebriated at the family get-together. You don’t want to be the subject of the next tale, so try practicing moderation! Whether it be alcohol, cookies/cakes, or spending money on presents, be careful not to overdo it. At the end of the day, moderation will save you from a lot of unnecessary headaches.
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SLEEP! Surely you’ve heard this mantra before, but the importance of getting proper sleep truly cannot be overstated. Nearly every facet of life is influenced by your ability to get quality sleep, including physical health, memory, mood, and even your sex life. Plus who wants to be the one taking a nap while everyone else is making memories?
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Perform Some Random Acts of Kindness Giving not only makes you feel good, it also makes you stronger. In fact, giving to others yields more health benefits than either exercising or quitting smoking. Further, paying it forward results in a “ripple-effect” by inspiring others to act similarly. So what’re you waiting for? Go out there and help someone!