“Holiday Stress”

You’d think that after a week on the beach in Mexico I’d be feeling relaxed, but as I flew home Monday following my company’s incentive trip I began focusing on “tis the season to feel rushed”, and I could feel a little anxiety creeping in.?With just two weeks before the holidays I started thinking about the shopping, the extra parties, the wrapping, the baking….and so on. It’s the time of the year meant for cheerfulness and celebration but so many experience stress, fatigue, and nervousness around the extra activities.

I thought today would be a good time to share some practical tips for de-stressing this holiday season and help myself in the process!

Get plenty of rest. During this crazy season we tend to run ourselves ragged.?So just making sure you're taking the time to get enough rest is important. When you start sensing that feeling of being overwhelmed take a break: go for a walk; read a little; take a nap; watch a Christmas show.

Maintain proper nutrition and exercise.?It’s so easy at this time of year to fall into bad eating habits and add inches to our waistline. Fuel your body with great nutrition and eat healthy snacks to fill you up before you attend dinner parties. Be mindful of what you eat and the portion sizes. Do your best to minimize junk food and processed foods. Make sure you maintain your exercise routines or at least work in small workouts around your schedule.?Stay committed to your health goals!

Practice meditation, even if it’s just a few minutes.?Although I won’t have access to the morning yoga class with the sun rising over the ocean like I had in Mexico last week, I will use yoga to give me a daily dose of peace and calm this holiday season.?If you’re not into yoga, consider a little stretching with calming music like your favorite Christmas carols or Spotify playlist. You might also consider a pink Himalayan salt lamp, an oil diffuser, or simply lighting some candles.?If you only have a few minutes simply close your eyes and use deep breathing to give you a sense of calm and relaxation to reduce your stress and focus on your well-being. ?Finding a few minutes to meditate is also known to reduce the stress hormone cortisol and will help strengthen your immune system.

Plan and focus on positive aspects of the holiday.?Get organized and avoid being overwhelmed with demands and expectations.?Think positively about the meaning of the holiday and the peace and joy associated with it.?Be in the moment and enjoy the company of family and friends.?Be realistic about what you expect of yourself and others.?It is rare for any holiday to be picture-perfect, but your attitude can always make it special.

I also have a new amazing adaptogen elixir which is a bubbly blend of adaptogens and kombucha to give you the balance you need.?It is designed to support your ability to adapt to stress by combining kombucha from black tea leaves with root extracts from astragalus, eleuthero, rhodiola, ashwagandha, and schisandra fruit.?If that’s something you’re interested in learning more about, I can send you a video with a link so you can give the product a try.

So, remember this holiday season to keep your self-care near the top of your wish list.?When demands for your time begin to intensify, remember to take more time for yourself not less.?Be mindful that the season is more about peace and serenity and time spent with loved ones than it is about the rush of activities that tug at us.

Best wishes to you and yours for a blessed season!