3 Ways to Lower Stress Before the Holiday Season
By Genevieve Cunningham
It's finally officially fall. For many people, this brings a sense of excitement to their lives. Not only is the weather changing and atmosphere evolving, but it also means that the holidays are right around the corner. And who doesn't love the holidays? Unfortunately, with the fun and excitement of the holiday season also comes a little hustle, bustle, and stress. And this stress often hits us sooner than we're ready. By the time the holidays have finally come and gone, we're all exhausted and stressed to the max! If you would like to enter this holiday with less stress, take a look at these tips to begin incorporating into your life now.
Get Prepared
One of the most stressful parts of the holiday season happens when we wait until the last minute to get things done. We don't properly prepare, which means we’re rushing and spending too much money and worrying over things that don't -- or shouldn't -- matter. If you want to be stress-free, start preparing now. Plan your big trips and start buying gifts. The more prepared you are, the easier it is to relax as the holidays roll in.
Watch Your Health
Everything is more stressful when your health is in poor condition. Before the holidays arrive full force, give your health some focus. Manage your diet and start thinking ahead to keep it under control during the holidays. Take action now to alleviate any mental health issues. See your therapist, reduce your workload, and say no to extra responsibilities. Get some movement every day. The healthier you keep your body and mind, the easier it will be to shake off extra stress as it heads your direction.
Prioritize
It's easy to get swept up in the commercialization of the holidays. But research has shown that this aspect of the season is one of the most stressful. Make sure that you’re prioritizing what's really important to you and your family. Set your priorities now so that you can worry less in the thick of the season. The more priorities you set, the easier it is to set boundaries and stay on track as the busy part of the season arrives.
It’s never too early to get prepared. And when it comes to the holidays, preparation can make all the difference in feeling stressed or feeling blessed. Use these tips to lower the stress in your life now, and enjoy the benefits into the holiday season and beyond.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Chapel Hill, N.C.