The song may call this the most wonderful time of the year, but for many people, this can be the most stressful time of year.
The end of the year means holidays, end of the year deadlines, a harsh look back at the list of goals you made earlier in the year, and family coming into town. Fret not. You are not alone. Here are 5 things to try this holiday season to help you calm with the stress. This is a great reminder every month of the year.
Get Active
Whether you are a go to a gym or studio or take a stroll around the block, it’s important to take the time for physical activity. Because of the colder temperatures and how dark it gets before I even leave work I have to put in extra effort to get that physical activity in. It might be going on a walk while something is in the oven baking or making sure my gym clothes are packed so I can head straight to the gym after work. Here are some creative ways to stay active:
- Try out a hot yoga -take advantage of deals studios offer and try this way of warming up and releasing tension.
- Go Ice skating-I am terrible at it, but the few times I have gone my core and legs were working overtime.
- Sledding-If you live in an area with enough snow, take advantage of this fun my glute working activity,
- Walk around your neighborhood to check out holiday lights. If your neighbors aren’t festive, find a neighborhood that is and walk around.
- Cocoa Crawl-See if there is one in your area…or create one of your own! Fun for everyone in the family.
Get Some Sun
Last year I learned that I have an extreme Vitamin D deficiency. Many people develop lower rates of Vitamin D during the winter months because of their limited exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D is not only essential to healthy bones, but it is also essential in regulating brain health and mood.
Aside from adding more of the supplement with my multivitamin stack, I make an effort to increase the foods like fish and kale that are high in this vitamin. During break periods, there is a large window I work by because it brings in so much sunlight. It’s my favorite part of the workday and I truly feel the difference. I have also worked with coworkers who swore by their Happy Lamps which mimics the same effects of sitting by the sun all while being in a dark office.
Volunteer
The last thing some people may want to do when they are stressed is to volunteer. BUT I would argue that volunteering your time is a perfect way to realign our mindset during this season and hopefully adjust how we approach the stress the season can bring. Many of us have little privileges that we are blessed to enjoy each day. I am reminded of these whenever I give of my time to serve those in need directly. I have the luxury of working as a service coordinator so volunteering is literally my job (which is so wild to me still!).
You can organize an office service project or join forces with a local non-profit that works in an area of interest. I guarantee there will be a change in your spirit after doing it. I advise looking up the organization’s mission and going into every service project with an open mind and heart. For help finding a variety of places to volunteer this season or all year try Volunteer Match or your local Catholic Charities.
Here are three unique service ideas:
- Bake meals for families with children in the hospital. Bonus if you are able to serve them dinner
- Host a resume review and job coaching session for people who are underemployed and looking to get into the workplace. Local social services or job agencies could always use professionals who are willing to volunteer in this area.
- Write welcome/happy holiday cards to refugee families. Bonus if your family or friends can deliver cards.
Bake/Cook/Create
Doing something creative is always a great way to destress. There is no coincidence that adult painting workshops and adult coloring books have increased in popularity as a form of self-care. Expressing your creative side outside or work or school responsibilities in calming. Graphic designing and blogging was my creative outlet during a time where my job, anxiety, and wedding planning were taking a toll.
Creating or decorating can be a nice way to unwind with the family. It was nice to just bake biscuits and decorate our simple apartment to welcome friends over. For those couple of hours, I got to unwind and enjoy the season. If cooking isn’t your ministry I would suggest coloring apps like Color Therapy or Colorfly where you can have the option to slow down and create in a foolproof way.
Silence
If you’re anything like me being completely still and not talking or moving much is hard…I even move and talk in my sleep.
I try to find at least once a month to sit still in silence for 30 minutes to an hour. In the Catholic tradition we have adoration which is when you sit in a chapel and pray and meditate while being in the presence of the body of Christ.
You might want to engage in guided meditation. Or sit quietly and practice free form journaling. I often do this during adoration. I let my thoughts and prayers flow out onto paper.
Recently I went on a retreat with students at my school and we had several scheduled times for silent reflection. As the days went on it became easier and easier to sit in silence. It helped that we had a lovely view to gaze upon. It was truly a blessing to let my mind REST.
Comment below some plans on de-stressing this holiday season?