December can be
one of the busiest months of the year - so full of festivities, family
gatherings, hustle and bustle shopping, and feelings of just trying to survive
it! Here are 31 stress busting tips to help you make it through with a smile!
1- Learn to
say "no"- Try not to over commit yourself and know that it is ok to
say "no"
2- Cut the
guest list- Keep your gatherings smaller. It will be less stressful and more
meaningful.
3- Place an
order- Dont be afraid to add some side items or dessert from your local deli or
bakery.
4- Ask for
help- Ask your family to pitch in with household chores, ask your friends to
bring a dish to share at the holiday party.
5- Map out
the stores- When you are shopping for Christmas gifts, go with a list and a map
of the stores in the mall. It will save you a lot of time from distractions!
6- Go out of
your way to get out of the way!- Look for the cashier in the pharmacy, or in
the back of the store in tools/automotive.
7- Take a
vacation day- Try to take a Tuesday off work and do your shopping early
morning. There will be fewer shoppers at the mall and it will leave time for an
afternoon cup of tea!
8- Make
wrapping presents fun and relaxing- put on some music or an old favorite movie.
9- Overstock
your supplies- Before you tackle wrapping those presents, be sure to have
multiple rolls of paper, extra rolls of tape, and lots of peel-n-stick tags
ready!
10- Keep a
list of wrapped presents- As you wrap Stella's Strawberry Shortcake doll, mark
it as wrapped on the list so you know what you have bought and what you have
wrapped.
11- Wrap as
you go- If you wrap the presents as you bring them home rather than putting it
off until the shopping is complete. You will save time and your back!
12- Meal
prep one day per week- Take one day per week to spend 2-3 hours in the kitchen
to save at least 5-10 hours that week. Plan to make and freeze 2-3 healthy
dinners, bake some extra chicken, make a pot of soup, cut up fresh vegetables
for healthy snacks, make some hummus. When we have healthy grab-n-go options
readily available, we are more likely to stay on track.
13- Limit
the sugary treats- December is a time when we are surrounded by sugary
indulgences! These indulgences can actually trigger hormones in our bodies that
alter our moods, causing us to be more stressed or depressed and tired. Save
your indulgences for one day a week and make it count on something you really look
forward to.
14- Dont
skip your workouts- Exercise actually gives us more energy, boosts our immune
system, and elevates our moods!
15- Drink 8
glasses of water per day- In the colder temps we sometimes crave less fluid,
but it is important to stay hydrated and drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.
Dehydration can cause headaches, lack of energy, and constipation. Keep
everything moving! Cheers!
16- Keep some
routine- Sticking to small daily comforts can help us feel less chaotic. If you
read before bed, continue to do so. If you have a favorite TV show on Wednesday
evenings you like, try to make time to watch it.
17- Meditate
daily for 10 minutes- Before you get out of bed or at the end of your day- find
a quiet space and sit in peace for 10 minutes. Close your eyes and focus on
deep breathing.
18- Scale
back on your to-do list- Ask yourself if you dont complete this or that will it
really matter in the long run?
19- Add
stress busting foods to your daily diet- fatty fish, avocados, sweet potatoes,
turkey, blueberries, oranges, carrots, and spinach to name a few.
20- Cut back
on the dish washing- Go with paper plates for a week or two!
21- Sing out
loud!- Singing is linked to stress reduction so put on some Christmas tunes and
sing loudly!
22- Complete
a random act of kindness- Helping your neighbor shovel their driveway, opening
a door for someone, dropping off a pie to your mechanic- random acts of
kindness help you to feel more grateful and happy.
23- Find a
volunteer opportunity for your entire family to do together- go on line and ask
organizations where they need the most help- serving meals at shelters?
Delivering meals together? Adopting a less fortunate family? It reminds us of
our own blessings by being a blessing to others.
24-
Christmas cards for veterans- Gather a few families together and write merry
wishes and thank you notes in holiday cards and drop them at the local VA
Hospital.
25- Practice
self-care- Schedule at least one hour per week to take care of you. Go get a
manicure, go to the library and read, make a coffee date with a friend, or get
a massage.
26- Cuddle
up with your furry loved one- our pets love us unconditionally. Take a few
moments each day to cuddle up and tell them how much they mean to you.
27- Go for a
brisk walk- Bundle up and go for a brisk walk in the cool, crisp air! It will
make you feel alive and refreshed!
28- Limit
your alcohol- Try to save the eggnog for the weekend. A glass of wine may help
us relax, but too much of a good thing can alter our moods, our perspective,
and our waistline!
29- Get
extra sleep- Take a nap if you can, or plan to go to bed 30 min earlier a few
nights each week.
30- Enjoy a
hot beverage- Wrap your hands around a warm mug of tea or hot cocoa. It will
help to relax you and keep you comfy cozy!
31- Practice
gratitude- Each day try to find at least one thing you are grateful for and say
it out loud or write it in a gratitude journal. Focusing on all the blessings
we have in our lives makes little room for focusing on any challenges.
Have a
Happy Holiday Season everyone! Many blessings to you and your loved ones!
Best in health,
Carol Ann
Creator of My Healthy Friends Fitness Group
myhff.blogspot.com
https://www.facebook.com/groups/myhealthyfriendsfitness/
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