While the holidays are joyful for many people, they can also be stressful. The pressure to attend countless social events, purchase gifts, and travel to visit friends and family can significantly impact your mental health. Fortunately, you can use several simple tips to bolster your spirits so you can make the most out of this special time of year.
1. Focus on Getting Enough Sleep Each Night
When you get enough sleep, you can manage your day more efficiently, which is important during this season. Not only will you boost your cognitive performance, but you’ll feel better, too. If you find it difficult to fall asleep, consider trying a sound machine or using aromatherapy oils.
2. Indulge in Your Favorite Sweet Treat
You can’t celebrate the holidays without enjoying some treats along the way. Indulging in a brownie or two can elevate your mood and even temporarily reduce stress and anxiety. Sugar activates the brain’s reward processing center, which releases dopamine and serotonin (the “feel good hormones”). So feel free to enjoy a few sweets throughout these festive months.
3. Set Limits on How Many Activities You Will Participate In
While you may have a long list of people to visit and places to go, overscheduling yourself can lead to burnout, which significantly affects your mental health. It’s important to acknowledge your limitations and be realistic about what you can and cannot do. Doing so will save you the stress of attending every gathering or activity that comes your way.
4. Use CBD Products To Help You Relax
If you need a little help relaxing, consider trying CBD products. CBD is useful in treating various mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and insomnia. You can find CBD oil in a local store or through online retailers. In addition, CBD products are available as tinctures, gummies, or in powder form. These products can help you tackle your stress head-on throughout the holidays and beyond.
5. Don’t Feel Bad for Saying No or Setting Boundaries
Setting boundaries during the holidays is especially important in order to keep your mental health intact. Be sure to let others know what you can and cannot commit to ahead of time, and be firm with your boundaries. Saying “no” is a powerful form of self-care that can make all the difference in how you feel throughout this season.
6. Take a Few Minutes for Yourself Every Day
Between holiday shopping and hosting get-togethers, you should prioritize your needs, too. Find a convenient time to spend alone doing something you love, like reading, journaling, or taking a relaxing bath. Focusing on yourself for a while can give you the energy boost you need to tackle the rest of your “to-do” list.
7. Exercise for a Few Minutes Every Day
Exercise is a powerful yet simple way to boost your endorphins and ease your stress. You don’t have to invest a lot of time or equipment to get moving, either. A short walk or a quick yoga session may be just what you need to feel better. In addition, short bursts of exercise can help you curb any holiday weight gain from overindulging.
Whether you feel excited, nervous, or stressed this season, know you are not alone. Fortunately, taking small actions each day to prioritize your well-being can make you feel better and help you relax during this time of year.
