How To Avoid Stress During The Christmas Holidays

By
Mercy Ekele
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The Christmas season is supposed to bring joy and harmony to all, but the many expectations that lay behind these seasonal events can cause us to feel overwhelmed and stressed.

If you are in charge of preparing the Christmas holiday season activities, or if you simply become stressed with all of the festivities and interpersonal expectations, the pressure can soon mount up.

Here are ways you can avoid stress during the Christmas holidays:

Physical signs that you are suffering from stress will help you diagnose the problem. Heed these signs so that you can take action to rejuvenate your body and enjoy the holiday season.

Get enough sleep

Get a good number of restful hours per night, or the sleeplessness will become a vicious cycle: the less you sleep, the more you need; the more you need, the less time you have to prepare for and appreciate the holiday season, and the more taxed you will feel.

Eat well

Nutritious eating is a powerful measure to ensure your body’s ability to handle tiredness. Stay away from sugar, fat, and caffeine. Instead, opt for foods with high fiber content and carbohydrates, such as baked sweet potatoes. Fruits and vegetables are also a good choice.

Read also: 11 Healthy Ways To Avoid Christmas Holiday Weight Gain

Moderate amounts of alcohol may temporarily relieve stress and increase enjoyment, but alcohol can also prolong tension. Consuming a reasonable amount (1-2 drinks) is usually safe and may even confer certain health benefits, but be careful and consult your doctor if you have concerns.

Exercise

Engaging in physical activity releases endorphins: the chemicals in the body that promote good feelings. Choose an activity you like and are likely to stick with; almost any form of exercise will do the job.

Notice mental signs of stress

An overwhelmed mind can really dampen holiday cheer. Stress affects people’s minds differently, but take note of these common symptoms and find out if you should make intervening efforts to relieve yourself from draining emotional and cognitive effects.

Take a break

The commotion of the holiday seasoning can be too much for some people. If you are under a lot of pressure, take a step back and remove the stressors from your immediate environment.

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Photo credit: Getty