The holiday season is meant to bring us joy and lots of good cheer, but for many it brings an abundance of stress that can lead to illness and even depression. In order to give to others, it’s essential to give to yourself first.
Giving and giving until you’re completely burnt out leads to exhaustion and misery; self-care should never be neglected because it compromises everything else.
Taking care of your mental and physical health may be the single most important factor for creating a happier holiday season (for everyone). How can you give to yourself?
Eat healthy
Focus on eating nutritious foods rather than allowing yourself to indulge in too many unhealthy treats throughout the season which can increase stress and anxiety levels. Eat meals that consist of plenty of organic, antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables and healthy fats derived from nuts and seeds as well as things like organic meats or wild-caught salmon. This will help strengthen your immune system as well as provide you with more energy to get through the day. Limit your intake of sugars, alcohol and caffeine.
Schedule “me time”
Many people create a list of things to do, but fail to include some “me time.” Write down at least two self-care items on your to-do list each day including such things as meditation or deep-breathing to reduce stress. What about adequate physical activity, or simply reading a good book?
Keep in mind that regular exercise will provide you with more energy to get through the day in addition to releasing “happy hormones,” or endorphins that will boost your mood and even serve as an effective, natural antidepressant.
Enjoy time with the people you love
The holiday season should be more about remembering and enjoying the very best things in life such as spending time with people you love. Focus on that during the holidays rather than what you think you should be doing. Fully experience the little moments such as sharing memories and laughter or perhaps establishing new traditions at home.
Transform your attitude
Remember that stress is not the problem, it’s how we deal with stress that counts. Pay attention to negative self-talk such as “this is going to be a disaster,” “I can never get through this,” or “I’m going to be miserable,” etc. Rather than knee-jerk responses, replace these with a sense of curiosity like, “this might be interesting,” or “I wonder what might happen?”
Using extreme negative or catastrophic phrases either spoken or even just dwelling on them, causes the brain to release stress chemicals like cortisol. Prolonged higher levels of cortisol are linked to a number of health issues such as high blood pressure, blood sugar imbalances, a weakened immune system and even increased abdominal fat.
Remember to be grateful
Being grateful for what you have in your life has been shown to significantly increase overall happiness as well as health and well-being. During the holiday season it can be more important than ever. Take a few minutes each day to reflect or even write down 5 or 10 things that you are thankful for in your life.
What makes you smile? Is it your child, a spouse, or a pet? Even thinking about the little things, like a good cup of coffee, a day when you aren’t stuck in traffic, your favorite song played on the radio or a compliment paid by a friend can be enough to increase your happiness level and reduce stress.
This year, make a commitment to give to yourself for a truly joyful season!
-The Alternative Daily