Emotions are especially high at this time. While the holidays are often called “The Happiest Time of the Year”, many don’t feel happy inside. To help you increase your joy, happiness and inner peace, here are eight holiday stress reduction Ttps and insights based on my new study and Common Wisdom books.
Many feel stressed in December. You have a lot to do and little time to do it before the year ends. You can’t get to everything, and feel anxious as a result.
How do others look so put together when we are drowning? Many portray their “Facebook happy face” on social media. They may look good on the outside but are not really feeling great on the inside. Like ducks, others appear like they are at peace, but underneath the surface, there is a scrambling to survive.
During this busy time when many are overwhelmed, I hope these tips can help you better manage your stress this season with more inner peace.
1. Observe Your Feelings
Recognize what you are feeling instead of suppressing your thoughts. Be a curious observer. Some people are better able to show their feelings while others may not be. The first step in addressing your emotions is observing them.
Don’t try to shove your thoughts away or ignore them. Feelings are your body’s way of releasing built up energy. We are all human. And unlike AI or robots, we have mood swings that need to be addressed. Not only is it normal to have highs and lows, it’s what makes us part of the human race.
Keep in mind that we have a natural negativity bias and often think of the worst-case scenario regarding any situation. We often let our internal reactions, and not the facts dictate our lives. We lack “emotional control.” This response can cause you to worry excessively and be anxious.
That is why it is especially important to pause these thoughts, recognize them, and refocus. These negative beliefs are not serving you. Like a spinning wheel, negativity can make your anxiety levels worse. A shift to positivity is a type of pattern interrupt. It is you telling your body to stop, and turn off of the negative thoughts that seem to be taking over your life.
2. Prioritize Self-Care to Increase Feel-Good Hormones
Because the holidays are such a busy time of year, there is a lot on your mind. With the hustle and bustle, it’s way too easy to overlook taking care of yourself. Yet to function well, you have to feel joy. We need these feel-good hormones. So it’s crucial that self-care becomes a top priority to increase your positivity.
3. Breathe Deeply to Feel More Peace
Breathing is another form of self-care that is important, especially over the holidays when you are over-booked with activities and obligations. Regardless of the stressor, breathing deeply will help you expel the negative energy. If you are in a situation where you do not have the chance to take time out for self-care, then just breathe. Have a longer exhalation than inhalation, and repeat a breath-in and breath-out pattern until you start feeling more at peace.
4. Move Your Body to Improve Your Mood
Moving your body and exercising has many benefits. It can be as little as 10 minutes a day, and can significantly reduce your stress. In addition to the visible physical changes, there are numerous mental advantages. Exercise releases endorphins, improves mood, and drastically reduces anxiety. It is a way to release negative energy. After a walk or run, you feel better and things will not affect you as much.
5. Spend Time in Nature to Reduce Anxiety
Seeing and being part of the natural world is beneficial to your mental health. It can reduce your anxiety and strengthen your immune system. Being outside can reduce thoughts that are worrying you, according to an article in the Annual Review of Public Health.
Start with investing a few minutes a day in nature, and gradually increase this time. Being with nature will remind you of the bigger world and your overall purpose and goals. Consider earthing or spending time barefoot on the ground, which has been found to reduce inflammation, lessen stress, and further balance your body. Nature can help you be more centered and focused. It’s an easy and inexpensive way to improve your well-being during this really busy time of year.
6. Live in Faith, Not in Fear
As you encounter obstacles over the holidays and new year, consider lessening the “blow” that you may feel. Instead of getting upset, believe that things will work out. Know that regardless of what happens, it will be okay. No one will remember what happens in five or 10 years. Make being positive your priority to protect yourself from negativity.
Be focused on your positivity and faith. You can’t control others or this time of year, but you can control your thoughts about it. It’s like having a gratitude journal, it forces you to be appreciative. Force yourself to be positive, and it will increase your joy.
7. Plan Your Schedule to Reduce Stressors
Anxiety and stress often result when a stressor is not addressed. Planning your schedule, events and to-do lists for the holidays can help alleviate the stress. Create lists. Come up with plans for how to address things that need to be done. Plan out when you will do your “to-do” list, so it’s not all due at once.
The key to reducing stress with your holiday planning is not to take things so seriously but to plan ahead. Lighten up. You will feel better, and so will others if you can take the pressure off. And keep in mind, if things don’t go exactly as you had planned, it’s okay.
8. Be Grateful for the Non-Obvious
The only way we can overcome any and all obstacles is to have a positive perspective. Feeling a deep sense of gratitude can reduce your extra holiday season pressures. You need this forced appreciation to move forward in life. It does not mean that you do not give yourself room to be sad or angry. It means that you are grateful despite the circumstances.
Because the holidays can be a difficult time for many, what you do is more important than ever. Realize that this time of year requires you to be deliberate and thoughtful in your actions. Think about these tips and take control over your life to reduce your stress and that of others. Remember that we are all doing our best, as are you.