The holiday season can be full of joy, offering a wonderful chance to connect with cherished friends and family. It's a chance to try to unwind, step away from work responsibilities and reflect on the year gone by.
Sounds fantastic, right? But the reality is that this time can also be dizzyingly stressful! There is overwhelming pressure to purchase the perfect gifts, cook delicious food and be a flawless host. It often feels like there is never enough time to get everything in order and it's a lot of pressure.
As a certified Reiki Master and teacher, I’m an advocate of holistic health and wellness, so I’d love to share some tangible tools for managing stress leading up to the holiday season.
The Impact Of Stress
When you're feeling overwhelmed and overstimulated, most likely it’s because your nervous system is dysregulated. It queues your heart racing, your breath to quicken and your muscles to tense. Your body interprets this reaction as an emergency or “flight or fight” response.
If your nervous system is consistently out of balance, it can lead to more serious health issues. Stress can affect all parts of your life, including your emotions, behaviours, thinking ability, and physical health. Stress is something all humans experience and the holidays are a leading cause for many.
4 Tools For Managing Stress Around The Holiday Season
Take a moment and reflect: is the holiday season a typical trigger for you? Learning your specific triggers can help reduce stress and understand what will work for you.
Here are some things you can do in advance of the holidays to prepare and cope with holiday stress.
1. Schedule in time for relaxation
Make a conscious effort to sit down with your calendar and schedule relaxation activities that you find the most effective throughout December. This could be writing, meditation, yoga, guided imagery, or deep breathing. You may also enjoy a warm bath/shower, a facial, massage or soothe your mind with aromatherapy. One of the best ways to work through stress is with a Reiki session to release your tension and reduce stress in the body, by supporting the body's natural ability to heal.
2. Focus on what is realistic
It’s important to acknowledge that the holidays will never be “perfect”— that's an impossible pressure. Instead, be open-minded to new traditions and rituals and understand what you are capable of and what would be too much. For example, can you share the cooking and ask guests to bring a plate?
3. Don't turn your back on your boundaries
Learning to say “no” is one of the most powerful acts of self-respect and self-compassion you can do for yourself. Sticking to your boundaries invites more time and energy for caring for yourself. If you fill your schedule with too many parties, dinners or other holiday activities, it can lead to burnout, resentment and feeling overwhelmed. Be protective of your time!
4. Focus on healthy habits
Regular exercise and a nutritious diet are important for combating stress and should be prioritized throughout the holidays. Prioritize movement, get outside daily and include nutritious meals at dinner parties.
Conclusion
As you enter the busy season of the holidays, try and approach the next few weeks with intention. Focus on what is in your control with planning, implementing boundaries and prioritizing self-care to find enjoyment and bliss amongst the mayhem.
If you would benefit from additional support in your stress management, consider booking a Reiki healing session! I offer both in-person and distance sessions.
Happy holidays!