It’s been a while since I’ve been able to write here and I know I’m late for Hanukkah, but there are still holidays up and coming this season… Christmas, Yule, New Years, Kwanzaa, and like more I’m forgetting! Whatever holidays you’re celebrating this season, you’re likely getting a liiiitle stressed out. And if you’re a student, right now you might be in the midst of finals which adds to everything.
As a student myself and as someone who used to panic and get burnt out over holiday cheer, here are 6 ways you can fight holiday stress.
1. Don’t forget to breathe. No, like, I mean that. Right now, take a big deep breath. Don’t like deep breathing? No problem, just focus on your breath no matter what the pattern is or no matter how shallow it might be. Simply recognizing our breath goes a long way and can remind us when we need a break.
2. Drink some tea. This time of year, peppermint tea is wonderful as it can help you get in the “holiday spirit” while also giving you the relaxing benefits of drinking a warm, comforting beverage. If you didn’t know, menthol in peppermint is a natural muscle relaxant. Additionally, this time of year, two other health problems plague us: sinus infections and stomach issues. Peppermint tea can help clear the sinuses as well as calm the stomach from all that stress built up in your system! (Source).
3. Get some exercise in! When we are stressed, our muscles tense up. Exercising even if it is a brisk walk, a short jog, some yoga, doing Dance Dance Revolution, or whatever it is that works for you, will help to rid your muscles of tension. Stretching will also aid in this process.
4. Treat yourself too. This is something I still have a hard time with. I love getting presents for people and surprising people with awesome gifts. However, don’t forget that you deserve a treat as well. While I’m not saying to go out and get yourself ALL the gifts, treating yourself to something small for the holidays can remind us that we are human and need to feel loved and cherished by ourselves.
5. Eat well, but still eat some cookies! In the spirit of treating yourself, remember that even if you are a healthy eater (like myself), you can work by the 85/15 rule, especially during the holidays when so much delicious food surround us. Don’t give up on your healthy lifestyle and eating, but know that 1 out of every 7 food choices can be a “treat” like a holiday cookie, some cake or pie, or whatever you enjoy this time of year!
6. Have a support network on hand. This is especially important if you’re going to celebrate the holidays in a tense family situation. Ask one of your friends to be your “stress call”… that is, if the holiday environment or family becomes too much, instead of reacting right on the spot, have someone you can text or call to vent to. Make sure they are okay too! Everyone is stressed this time of year and it’s important to acknowledge everyone’s individual mental health state.
If you are still stressing, don’t worry. Keep in mind that the holiday season is only a small percentage of the entire year. And there’s a whole year coming up! What do you have planned for all of 2016?
-Hope Schmid, certified yoga instructor, healthy lifestyler, passionate about stress relief
Warrior's Pose 