With the holidays coming, so does a stressful time of the year. Activities, shopping, finances, and in general, meeting the expectations that this should be a special time for each of us creates a tremendous amount of stress. Even the best prepared of us will experience times of feeling overwhelmed.
Here are some strategies for minimizing the stress.
Socialize, see friends and family, stay connected.
Talk, laugh, cry and get it out.
Exercise regularly. Shoot for 30 minutes 3 times/week.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
Lose yourself in activities you enjoy. Do regularly.
Get perspective, remember past hardships you overcame.
Live in the moment with small escapes like a book or movie.
Try yoga or meditation.
Take slow, deep breaths to tackle acute anxiety or anger.
Look for the good and positive in every situation. Optimism is catching. Enjoy the holiday season.