Like many, I squeeze in my huge list of holiday to-dos between Thanksgiving and Christmas–on top of my everyday to-dos, of course. Talk about a recipe for stress! While there never seems to be enough time in a day–especially during the holiday season–taking care of yourself is one item that shouldn’t come off your list. Although the first thing to go for many people is time to exercise, physical activity is actually a stress reliever. No matter the season, I make sure I get some activity every day. Meeting friends at the gym or for a walk, if the weather is decent, has long been a lifesaver for me. So has a morning routine–it’s harder to come up with reasons that you’re too busy especially if you exercise as soon as you get up. That routine isn’t for everyone, of course, so find a dedicated time that works for you. Eating right also helps keep stress at bay. My temptation to indulge in holiday treats is lessened if I make myself eat a piece of fruit first. It not only gives me a moment of pause to decide if I’m really hungry, it fills me up with good nutrition. And stocking my pantry full of “go to” meals is a huge stress reliever when schedules get busy and dinnertime dilemmas strike.
How do you enjoy the holidays with less stress?