Avoiding Holiday Stress

With Thanksgiving behind us and the holiday shopping season in full swing, many of us are already starting to feel the stress of the season. While often considered a season of joy, the winter months can also bring new levels of stress. Family gatherings, Christmas shopping, cold weather, and shorter days can all take a toll on your overall well-being. But there are a few simple things you can do to minimize stress and increase your energy this holiday season:

1. Exercise. As the weather turns cold and we are faced with fewer hours of daylight, it is easy to skip out on your regular workouts. Invest in some quality cold weather workout apparel or a gym membership and get your body moving. Even just 30 minutes of exercise a few times a week can improve your mood and your physical well-being. Although we are still beginning to understand how, research has shown that physical exercise can help manage stress, anxiety, and depression.

2. Eat Right. If you are like me the holiday season means lots of opportunities to indulge in your favorite foods. Often our favorite foods are not just yummy but emotionally satisfying as well because of the memories associated with them. Try keeping a food diary to help you figure out the good feelings associated with these treats and then incorporate other ways to experience those emotions. It will help you to eat these treats in moderation and begin to separate food from feelings. In addition be sure to increase your intake of healthy foods such as fruits &vegetables, whole grains, and water to help you counteract the impact of all those holiday goodies.

3. Reach out to Others. Although the season is a time for family and friends, often the hustle and bustle of the season keeps us apart. It is important to set aside time daily to connect with family and friends. Healthy relationships require ongoing communication and connection; don't let busy schedules keep you from enjoying what is most important in your life. In addition to emotional closeness, physical connection is an important part of our social support. A hug or a kiss from a loved one, romantic or platonic, can make all the difference in a day filled with stress. Research has shown that touch can decrease stress hormones and increase feelings of calm and safety. Feeling a little deprived of human contact? Schedule a massage or pedicure at your local spa. The tranquil environment combined with soothing touch can help you feel balanced again.

4. Ask for Help. If you are exercising, eating right, and have a strong support system but still feel sad, stressed, or irritable it may be time for professional help. So often therapy is seen as a last resort, a final attempt to make things right. But it doesn't have to be this way. It is not uncommon for people to experience mild to moderate depression during the winter months. Therapy, even just a few sessions, can be an effective way to reduce stress, improve your mood, and reclaim the joy of the season.