5 ways to relieve stress during the holiday season
It’s coming up on the holiday season. And for most that means lots of family, parties and the for some a full blown holiday experience over the last few months of the year.
Sometimes, as much as we love the holiday season, it can stress you out. Always having places to go, things to do and always feeling like your days or weeks behind in getting things done.
If you’re like me, all that stuff will wear on you pretty quick. I’m a major home body and I spend 98% of my off work time quietly at home.
And with all the running around you can forget to take some time for yourself.
Stress can cause all kinds of problems with gut health, sleep issues not to mention tight and achy muscles that can cause headaches and other pains.
And frankly those gut issues and the lack of sleep can cause a whole other host of problems that can keep on giving past the holiday season.
Taking time for yourself doesn’t have to mean a ton of time or expense.
It can simply mean 10 to 30 minutes of self care when you need it.
Here’s a few ideas for quick bouts of self care. They’ll help you relieve stress, recharge and relax your body and your mind.
Take a walk
The point of taking a walk to relax is to get out of your head.
Don’t think about what needs to be done or what’s happening—just enjoy the walk.
Walking in green spaces, like parks or wooded trails, has been shown to lower activity in the brain’s stress-processing center, the amygdala, helping you feel calmer and more grounded.
Leave distractions behind and focus on the simple pleasures around you: the plants, the trees, the birds. Let the natural surroundings do their work to soothe your mind and body.
Take a relaxing bath
These can be as long or short as you have time for. Make it an all-out spa experience with candles and wine Or keep it simple with just a cup of tea or water as you enjoy the warmth of the water.
Warm baths are known to help relieve stress by relaxing muscles and improving circulation. This naturally calms the body and mind.
Use Epsom salts to help ease muscle tension and add some essential oils for an added calming effect. Finish with your own infused oils made from lavender or roses.
Meditation
Too many people say they can’t meditate, but it really isn’t that hard.
The misconception is that you need a completely quiet mind. The truth is, our brains aren’t built to be quiet. Instead of trying to stop your thoughts, choose something simple to focus on.
One easy technique is to count your breath. Slowly inhale while counting to 4 in your mind, hold for 4, then exhale for 6 or 8. The numbers aren’t set in stone—you can count to 5, or any number that works for you.
The goal is to keep your mind engaged with the counting, so it doesn’t wander to everything else on your mind. And if it does, that’s okay—just gently bring yourself back to the count.
Read a book
Isn’t that a novel idea? I buy a lot of herbal books, and usually end up skimming through them or flipping to the index to find something specific.
Every time I buy one, I tell myself, This time, I’ll sit down with a highlighter and really read it. But life often gets in the way. Rarely do I actually get to sit down and read these books I’m so excited about.
But studies show that making time to read—even for just six minutes—can relieve stress by up to 60%! It helps reduce your heart rate, eases muscle tension, and gives your mind a much-needed break from the everyday hustle. Maybe it’s time to prioritize that cup of tea and a good book—not for research, but for relaxation.
Sitting with my fur babies.
This has to be my all-time favorite way to relieve stress. For over 10 years, my two little girls, who are no longer with me, were my go-to comfort during stressful times. They were the best medicine for bad days, offering warmth and love when I needed it most.
Whether I was relaxing after a long day or sick in bed, they were always by my side, soothing me with their presence.
Research shows that petting a dog or cat for just a few minutes can lower stress hormones like cortisol, calm the mind, and relax the body. Even now, I find comfort in the memories of those peaceful moments with them, and I’m reminded of the incredible bond we share with our furry companions.
None of these ideas are earth-shattering or difficult. They’re simple things we often overlook—little moments we forget to carve out for ourselves.
In fact, they’re things we should make a regular part of our routine. But if nothing else, especially during this hectic time of year, when things seem to be non-stop, it’s important to pause and take time to relax.
Which one is your favorite?
