Do the holidays have you feeling anxious? Stressed? Maybe even overwhelmed?
Girllll you are NOT alone! Between the change in routine, endless to do list, bonus family members visiting…we tend to lose ourselves in the chaos. If ever there was a time to focus on your mental health, it’s now! So, don’t panic. Here are 4 super simple ways to help you help yourself and decrease the holiday anxiety to focus mind, body and soul!
TAKE A YOGA CLASS
What better way to clear your headspace and decrease your anxiety then flow? Yoga has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety. It also has been proven to enhance your mood and overall sense of well being. By reducing perceived stress and anxiety, yoga can help regulate your stress response systems.
BINGE YOUR FAV HOLIDAY MOVIE
Yes, there’s nothing wrong with putting on your pjs, putting your feet up and pressing play on your favorite holiday movie. A great way to decrease your stress is to get lost in the humor or hope of your favorite holiday movie. But, be mindful of the time, approximately at 3 1/2 hours, our cognition and metabolism decline.
JOURNAL & REFLECT
Writing down your thoughts, feelings and emotions allows you to re-focus on your needs. Self-reflection is key to better understanding ourselves and what triggers us. When you start to write down and reflect, it teaches us what matters most. After you write down your thoughts, feelings and emotions, follow it up with a gratitude list. Focusing on gratitude helps to improve your outlook on your current circumstances.
SLEEP….YES!!!
When we allow our stress to get out of hand, it can lead to insomnia. Getting the proper amount of sleep is essential to your mental health. There is nothing worse than going a mile a minute all day, falling into bed and then you lay awake stressing about the next day. A few things you can do to improve your sleep quality including diffusing essential oils such as lavender. Decreasing your screen time before bed. Listen to a sleep meditation (so many good options on YouTube). Or dim the lights and stretch before laying your head down to sleep.
And don’t forget, the holidays are supposed to be time spent making memories and being happy. Don’t over extend yourself for the sake of others. Utilize these four tips and add yourself to that priority list this holiday season!
