During the holidays here in New York city there is so much to do and see that it can be a very stressful time to take care of ourselves. I am not just referring to Christmas parties or your kids around the tree with their favorite foods and toys. It’s also all other things we need to get done around our lives and work duties that are more important than spending quality time with those who matter most to us.
During this season, many people face stress, anxiety and depression. This is especially true for everyone as it often coincides with changes from school to work life and even family life. All the stress can make everyday life difficult for you. But if you know what you need to do to tackle these issues, then it can be a little bit easier when the holiday is upon you. Here are some tips on how to cope during Christmas holidays.
1) Focus On The Positive Things That Happen Around You
If at any given moment during the day you find yourself unable to focus on anything positive in life, then you may be facing major stress and depression symptoms. If you feel like everything is going wrong, then you might try to distract yourself by watching your friends’ reactions as they are having fun in some way. Spending time with them after a hard day on your own isn’t always possible for everyone, but that doesn’t mean the rest of us should stay away. We need support and love, especially when dealing with stressful situations and making decisions. One of my best tips is to simply ask yourself . What would happen if someone did this?
2) Take A Break From Social Media And Other Technology For 1-2 Hours Each Day
It seems like social media is everywhere right now and many of us don’t realize how much we use it. There are several apps that allow you to post pictures and videos on Facebook and Instagram without worrying about being judged about the person you are posting it to. Also, they are great at sending me notifications whenever you have been inactive for long periods of time. Another app that does the same thing is TikTok – which is quite similar to another app called Reels, but this one allows you to post short videos instead of sharing photos and stories. These types of technology should be avoided at all costs, and we need to stay engaged in the real world and surround ourselves with people who genuinely value us.
3) Make Time To Eat Healthy Foods
Being overweight can actually help with weight loss and prevent health problems, especially since it has been proven that healthy eating supports better brain functioning, mental clarity and relaxation. Eating at home with fresh produce is a good option. Also, try to eat breakfast every day, lunch and dinner. When you feel hungry between meals, eat something light and quick, like an apple or banana. Doing this can help lower blood sugar levels and increase satiety levels, helping you to lose weight more easily.
4) Spend Extra Time Outdoors
Spending time outdoors can be really beneficial for our overall health and well being. Research shows that spending time outside can improve heart health by reducing risk factors such as high cholesterol levels and blood pressure. The environment also improves your mood and brings balance to your mind. So spend time outdoors and bring happiness back into your life!
5) Have Fun Holidays With Others
Having meaningful relationships has also been shown by research to help you relax. What is exciting about the holidays is that they can help you connect with others even in different parts of life. Having friends over to watch movies and share laughs together during the evening can benefit both individuals and families alike. They share stories, laugh and enjoy themselves. After a busy day of shopping and cooking, it’s great to go somewhere where all your loved ones are and have fun together. Enjoying each other’s company can help alleviate some or all stress.
6) Get Some Sleep and Rest
Sleeping helps promote overall body and mental health, giving us energy to function better and think clearly during times of confusion, frustration or anger. Not getting enough sleep can lead to depression and feelings of tiredness. Sleeping on your side during the night should not be overlooked either. Getting the recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night is recommended. This type of sleep also reduces daytime fatigue levels, enabling people to wake up feeling energetic and ready to tackle the day ahead.
7) Eat More Fiber
Eating fiber daily can help regulate gut bacteria, lowering inflammation, and also promote digestive health. Eating whole grains is suggested to help keep blood glucose under control and to help reduce cholesterol, reduce fat absorption, and improve memory and learning capacity. Fresh fruits and vegetables are wonderful sources of fresh fiber and it doesn’t cost much. However, eating too much of a variety can make consuming less healthy and also be detrimental to your health. Try to avoid white pasta, wheat products and refined sugars, as they contribute to obesity levels and higher risk for chronic diseases. You should always choose nutrient packed options like fruit, vegetables and grains.
8) Keep Moving
I know moving around is difficult when working full time around the clock, but it certainly makes staying productive for long periods easier for most people. Stretching exercises and walking outside daily can help with weight loss, improve circulation, boost mood and decrease physical stress. Keeping fit can also give you a sense of accomplishment and can change your perception of self.
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