The holidays are stressful for everybody. Having to find gifts for all of your loved ones, constant family get-togethers, and even winter exams. Everyone's situation is different, we all lead different lives. But as humans, holiday stress is extremely common, but there are certain ways to relieve it. These tips may not be for everyone, but they certainly help me to feel better when I'm overwhelmed with a long to-do list (P.S eating always helps).
I. Alone Time
Alone time is key! A simple necessity of being a human being is space. You need to be able to separate yourself from the stressful situation you are in, so that you can be your best self. Whether you watch a movie in your room for an hour, or you sit in the bathroom and stare at the wall. Alone time is alone time. It is a need. Often times our lives are so overwhelming with the rush of people around us, which is why tranquility is a great thing to improve your mental health. If you feel you need space, I would recommend going into your room and doing something you love, like reading, knitting, napping, or watching a movie.
II. Baking
Baking is a great way to relieve stress during the holidays! Baking for yourself or others is a great way to warm your heart this holiday season. Baking is a great way to distress because it is purely personal. Baking is subjective, if you hate pecans-then don't put them in the recipe! Allergic to dairy? Use almond milk! Making pastries and baked goods for your local church or place of worship is also a great way to multitask, distress, spread holiday cheer and feel great! You can also bake for your local homeless shelter.
III. Bath
A bath is personally my favorite way to distress myself. If you're more of a shower person, that's alright too. A warm shower/bath, and getting clean is a big part of self care and making sure your mental health is in check. If you find yourself getting overwhelmed with your surroundings and stressed out over "life in general" stop and take a second to see when was the last time you got squeaky clean! Something as simple as taking a shower and rinsing off the soap could easily also wash the stress down the drain It's an extra plus if you use your favorite types of bathing products that really make you smile. (Native Body Care is my favorite line of products)
IV. Read
Curling up with a good book is truly awesome. There is no better feeling than escaping this world into a fantasy land of your choice! If you find a book that is truly right for you, you could spend hours in one spot just turning pages, and you wouldn't even know it. Books are so magical, because there is so much variety within the pages, that you probably don't know are there.
VI. Realize What You Have
Some people thing being overwhelmed and stressed are the worst things ever. I actually believe otherwise. Being overwhelmed is a sign on life, life in your hands, a life of family and friends and activity. If you took the time to realize that without the overwhelming whirl of activity during the holidays we wouldn't be the same people we are today. I say, be grateful for the things we have, stressful or not, because you don't know what you've got 'till it's gone (Like Kevin McCallister!).
In life, there are so many things that bring us stress, but there are also so many things that bring us joy. Life is a balance, some good, some great, some bad, some crazy. But you have to love every second of it, if you don't your missing out. There are many other things you could do to destress during the holidays, these are just my favorites. Do what makes you happy, and most importantly, do what keeps you HEALTHY! Happy Holidays!