The holidays are a time of joy and celebration, but for many you need some down time to relax. If everybody is taking their annual leave to be able to have some time off, then you need to use some of that time to actually unwind and relax. For women especially, choosing to wrap all the gifts, buy all the gifts, cook all the dinner, clean up all the dishes, tidy all the mess. The holidays are actually quite stressful.
Getting the entire family involved to take the stress off is important, but you also need ways that you can relax personally so that you can enjoy your holiday the way you’re supposed to enjoy it. So let’s take a look at some of the best ways that you can relax this holiday season.
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Do something healthy every day.
Whether it’s eating a fruit salad, sitting down to do a word search for some brain food, or choosing to go for a walk early in the morning before the family is up, you need to start your day off right. It can make a big difference in how you feel throughout the day, and it could be as simple as taking a few extra minutes to enjoy that cup of coffee before you start the holiday preparation. You need to carve out that time and take it back because you can guarantee that kids will be relaxing, your partner will be relaxing, so you need to get time for you, even if it means taking that time away.
Listen to what your body is telling you.
More than anybody else, you know what your body is saying to do so if it’s telling you that it needs a break, listen to it. If you start to feel overwhelmed or rundown, sit down. The holidays are not going to be over just because you haven’t created 100% of the magic. You can share that mental load and you can pass some of the jobs off to those around you. Older kids can pitch in, relatives can pitch in. Your partner can pitch in. It doesn’t all have to be on you.
Keep your schedule.
It’s so easy to get caught up in the bustle of the season and forget to take the time for yourself. So it can help the timetable how you want the few days to go when you are visiting different family members. You are even allowed to say no to visiting family members and have your Christmas yourself at home. If you are feeling the stress, then you have to remember that you are allowed to cut down on those holiday commitments so that you’re not stretched too thin.
Plan time to relax.
It sounds very silly to schedule in time for relaxation, but if you’ve got a schedule for everything else, you may as well carve out some time for you, right? Even if it’s 10 minutes before you go to bed to read or step outside for a breath of very cold, fresh air, you need to give yourself those moments. It’s OK to give yourself permission to step back and just sit down for a minute. You do not have to be in charge of everything at all times.
Get some exercise.
That hearty Christmas dinner has to go somewhere, and one great way to stay relaxed is to make time for some exercise. Even if you only have a few minutes, do a workout and break a sweat or go for a walk. Walking off the Christmas dinner with the whole family gives the kids who got new bikes and scooters a chance to try them out, and it also gives you a chance to get some fresh air and get out of the house. This can be critical when you are busy during the holiday season because you can often feel cooped up for days on end.
Get off your phone.
A good way to relax during the holidays is to lock your phone in another room and sit. You don’t have to be wrapped up in social media because what happens for some people is that they can’t help but compare themselves to others. You do not need to see the Christmases of other people so that you can compare whether or not you got enough or did enough for your family. Scrolling can be stressful, so don’t get yourself anxious or angry over the holiday season and put your phone down to enjoy it.
Watch a Holiday Movie.
One of the best ways that you can relax during the holidays is to watch a holiday movie that allows you to escape. Get yourself some snacks, a nice drink, and sit down in front of the TV. Leave your phone in another room so nobody can disturb you and choose a movie that really does put you into the holiday spirit. This will allow you to fully immerse yourself into that experience and you’re going to feel so good about it in the end.
Do some baking.
Baking your favorite holiday treat, not the favorite holiday treats of everybody else, can really help you to relax during a busy holiday season. When you are baking, you find time to enjoy the process and get stuck into it. Measure your ingredients carefully and take your time to mix everything so that you can really destress and put on some Christmas music while you do it so that you feel in the mood.
Listen to music.
Music has the ability to really tap into our memories and our emotions, so putting on that Christmas playlist is going to make a big difference for your relaxation levels. Whether you’re feeling stressed about gift shopping, preparing for family gatherings, or just missing the warmth of summer, a few minutes of listening to your favorite tunes really can work wonders for your mood.
Schedule time with a friend.
The holiday season is busy enough, but if you schedule some downtime with a friend, you’re going to feel instantly relaxed.
Photo main banner by Marko Klaric:
