Post Holiday Stress

Before the holidays, everybody is running around buying and wrapping gifts, and running from one holiday gathering to the next. Then comes the time we spend with family around the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. All of this can lead to stress, on top of the stress we feel the rest of the year. So by the time the holidays are over we are, well, overstressed!How do we deal with stress x two? Here are a few tips:

• Make sure to have and stay on an exercise routine during this time of year. Exercise should be a priority over wrapping gifts and attending holiday gatherings. Exercise does wonders for our minds as well as our bodies. The feel-good endorphins stimulated with exercise can help battle stress.
• Stay on a regular sleep schedule during and after the holidays. When celebrating with friends and loved ones, it’s tempting to want to continue the visit past your regular turn-in time, but doing so can lead to lack of sleep. To help battle stress we need to stay on our sleep schedules.
• Do not throw healthy eating out the window during the holidays. Adding rich, high fat and high sugar foods can send our stress signals into overdrive.
• Relax! Schedule a massage during or after the holidays, make sure to have some quiet time, listen to soothing music or take a walk in the woods.