The stress of the Holidays can be overwhelming for some. Gifts to buy, parties to go, cookies to bake, presents to wrap, people to deal with - I’m exhausted already! But there ARE steps you can take to give yourself a BREAK! And yes, it really can be as simple as any one of my 12 Healthy Ways to Survive the Holidays!

1. DRINK WATER

Even mild dehydration can lead to headaches, bad moods, and poor digestion. Nobody like a Grinch!

2. PRIORITIZE YOUR DAY

Identifying the top tasks for the day at the start of the day helps you feel organized and achieve what you REALLY want to get done. One of my favorite ways to do this is using Mel Robbin’s FREE 5-Second Journal template. You can get that here!

3. LIMIT SCREEN TIME

Technology is a major part of our lives, but it can often overwhelm us. Reduce your screen time and use that time to focus on yourself through exercise, meditation, or exploring a hobby! Or, just get the presents wrapped.

4. ENJOY NATURE

Take a 5-10 minute break to step outside, go for a short walk or just park it on a bench and appreciate Mother Nature. Breathe the fresh air (even if it’s chilly!) admire the beauty of the world around you! It is, after all, the most wonderful time of the year!

Limiting screen time can reduce stress and overwhelm.

5. EAT MINDFULLY

Many of us wolf down our food - not really appreciating it. Give yourself a chance to really look at your plate (helps if you make it pretty), smell you food, and chew slowly. This will also help you to not overdo it on the candy canes!

6. CONNECT WITH THOSE YOU LOVE

While the Holidays often mean spending time with family members and others we may prefer NOT to be around, give yourself permission to reach out to and connect with the people you truly love. A quick call or a coffee date with someone dear to you can often lift spirits and remind us why we celebrate this time of year.

Similar to connecting with those you love, connecting with yourself can help reduce the stress of the Holidays. Schedule in a 15 minute break JUST for you! Crack open a book you’ve been meaning to read, journal, or meditate. Hell, stare at the wall - just take a few minutes to let yourself breathe.

8. BUILD IN MORE TIME

I’ve recently started being VERY honest with myself about how long something will take me. Now when I create my schedule, I factor in getting ready, travel time, traffic, parking, etc. Allowing myself PLENTY of extra time to get things done. This way I don’t feel rushed and I don’t try to pack too much into my day!

9. MEDITATE

Meditation has been proven to physically change your brain in about 8 minutes a day! Sitting quietly and doing your best to quiet your mind and release your thoughts reduces stress, builds confidence, increases memory, and allows you to do tasks more efficiently!

Write down 5 good things about your life - it’ll train your brain to focus on the good!

10. FOCUS ON THE GOOD

Taking a few moments to appreciate the good things in your life can turn your whole mood around. Make a quick list of 3-5 things that you just love about your life. Don’t be afraid to be vain or ridiculous! No one is checking your work!

11. EAT WELL
This is the time of year we all seem to function entirely off of sugar much like Buddy the Elf. But that will NOT help you process the stress of the Holidays - quite the opposite. Remember to continue eating well, as best you can. One of my favorite tricks is to eat a piece of fruit before dessert. I never tell myself I can’t have the cookies, I just have to have the fruit first! Often I find it’s enough!

12. BREATHE DEEPLY

If you find yourself completely overwhelmed by Holiday madness, take a deep breath! A few, deep belly breaths can instantly calm your nerves and center your mind so you can focus on a solution instead of a problem. Best part? It’s available to you instantly, at any time!

Happy Holidays!

12 Healthy Ways to Survive the Holidays!

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