Navigating Festive Stress: Tips for Wellness During the Holidays

It’s here! The holiday season, a time filled with joy, but often concealing the subtle weight it carries on our overall well-being. As our calendars flip toward this festive period, the pace of life seems to accelerate, amplifying the stressors that already linger in the background. Work gets busier, social calendars fill rapidly, and financial pressures increase. Amidst the hustle and bustle, our once plentiful free time dwindles, leaving us feeling as if there are never enough hours in the day.

It's no surprise then that our dedication to our physical, mental, and emotional health often takes a backseat. Drawing from my experiences working closely with diverse communities, individuals, and navigating these bustling times personally, I have crafted these tips that have helped me and others strike a balance between enjoying the festive spirit and prioritizing our health and wellness.

1. Expectations:

Stress and discontentment often arise when our expectations don't align with reality.

During the holidays, there's a pervasive expectation of perfection—a perfect gift selection, a perfect figure regardless of the indulgent feasting, the perfect party, and the list continues. However, striving for perfection in all things during this season can lead to added stress and a diminished sense of well-being. It's crucial to remind ourselves that imperfection is part of being human. Embracing imperfections can alleviate unnecessary pressures and contribute to a more joyful and fulfilling holiday experience.

We can start doing this by integrating uplifting mantras into our daily lives. Embracing the mantra, "Life is a beautiful mess," allows us to acknowledge and accept the imperfections and chaos that may come our way during the holidays. It reminds us that amidst the hustle and bustle, there's beauty in the messiness of life. Another powerful mantra to carry through the season is, "I am enough, I have enough, I do enough." This affirmation cultivates a sense of sufficiency within ourselves, diminishing the need to constantly strive for perfection. It encourages us to recognize our inherent worthiness, emphasizing that we don't need to overextend ourselves to meet unrealistic standards.

By incorporating these mantras into our daily thoughts and self-reflection, we pave the way for a more compassionate and forgiving approach towards ourselves during the holiday season. These affirmations serve as gentle reminders to embrace imperfection and find contentment in the present moment.

2. Physical Connection

Now that we’ve set some basic groundwork for our mental state (in the way of expectations), let’s talk about the physical. Connecting with our bodies is crucial to our health and well-being. During these busy times exercise of any kind can slip through the cracks.

We can tackle this by redefining exercise; thinking about exercise as movement, instead of intense and long activities. Consider integrating short bursts of movement into your day. Whether it's a brisk ten minute walk after lunch, a brief morning stretch session, or a dance party while preparing holiday meals, find moments to move that resonate with your schedule and preferences. Engaging in physical activity not only helps manage stress but also boosts energy levels, providing a refreshing break amidst the holiday chaos.

ps. There is nothing wrong with dancing in the kitchen!

3. Emotional Wellness

With everything happening in the world, it's easy to lose sight of the positivity surrounding us. However, cultivating gratitude and fostering connections can significantly impact our emotional well-being, especially during this time. *this doesn’t mean you can’t be an advocate for the things you care about, it just means you have to take care of yourself on all levels first.

Take moments to authentically connect with loved ones. Engage in heartfelt conversations, express gratitude, and actively listen to those around you. Reflect on the positive aspects of the season—cherished traditions, moments of laughter, and shared experiences. Practicing gratitude for these moments fosters a sense of appreciation and contentment, effectively counteracting feelings of stress or overwhelm.

In addition to these practices, consider incorporating a breath technique that can aid you during times of anxiety or stress. One highly effective method is the psychological sigh—a simple yet powerful breath technique.

The physiological sigh involves taking a slow, deep breath in through your nose, allowing your lungs to fill, and then take one more breath. Hold your breath for a moment, then release it audibly with a gentle sigh through your mouth. As you exhale, visualize releasing tension and stress from your body. Repeat this sighing breath a few times, allowing yourself to feel a sense of relaxation with each exhale. Learn more about this technique with Andrew Huberman in this apple podcast. (Fast forward to minute 24:30 to get right into it).

Personally, I've found this breath technique incredibly helpful in calming the mind and body, promoting a sense of tranquility and reducing feelings of anxiety. Integrating this practice into your daily routine or whenever you feel overwhelmed can serve as a valuable tool in managing stress during the holiday season.

By incorporating these tips alongside the initial mantras mentioned earlier, we can create a holistic approach to wellness during this joyous season. Prioritizing physical movement, nurturing emotional wellness, and maintaining a mindful perspective on expectations equip us with tools that not only support our overall well-being but also enhance the holiday experience. Enjoy your holidays and see you next year!

#stressmanagement #holidays #wellness #wellbeing #breath @moev