7 Tips for Managing Stress During the Holidays
Patrick and Angie Hawkins are long-time Extension volunteers. Angie is the founder of “I Am” Kinda Fit Ministry.
Welcome to the Holiday Season!!!!
This time of year, all common sense flies out the door when it comes to making healthy choices and decisions!!! With all of the expectations, shopping, activities, family, and parties, it’s easy to overindulge and feel overwhelmed. So here are a few tips to set ourselves up for a healthy after the holiday season:
1. Drink plenty of water. This time of year, it’s even more likely that you’re not taking in enough water to supply your body with its needs sufficiently. We think we’re not thirsty and don’t need to drink water with the cooler temps, but, yes, you do! Water is essential for your body to function properly. That afternoon headache that you’re having is possibly from lack of water. Water helps to move your blood through your veins with ease, keeps your mind clear from the “fog,” and will help to boost your afternoon slump. So reach for some water before that afternoon coffee.
2. Maintain a balanced meal plan, not a diet. Don’t starve yourself today thinking you’re doing yourself a favor for that upcoming dinner party! Instead, keep your metabolism working at its peak to process the food intake with ease. When your body goes into starvation mode, it will hold on to fat for energy. When you finally eat again (likely to overindulge), your body will then hold on to those incoming fats and calories, too, not knowing when or if it will eat again. So do yourself a favor and eat well-balanced meals daily, consisting of plenty of protein, fiber, healthy fats, and carbohydrates, and don’t skip breakfast! You want your metabolism to be in gear when you sit down for your holiday feast.
3. Keep Moving!! Often people will put off exercise until after the New Year. Why wait? If you’re not already doing so, find some activity that you enjoy and get moving!! Start slow and add in more gradually. Whether it’s going for a walk/jog three times a week for 30 minutes a day, or hitting the gym for a rewarding workout, or setting aside time in the evening to have a 30-minute dance session to celebrate the day, whatever it is, get that blood pumping and remember to have fun! Laugh and Smile, be silly, and enjoy! Movement is a great way to battle stress and depression. So schedule it on your calendar, and get UP and keep moving!!!
4. Stick to a budget. Before you go gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend, and stick to your budget. Consider alternatives, such as donating to a charity in someone’s name, giving homemade gifts, or starting a family gift exchange.
5. Plan ahead. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends, and other activities. Plan your menus, and then make your shopping list. That will help prevent last-minute scrambling from buying forgotten ingredients and gifts. For more fun, get others to join in your efforts.
6. Let go of expectations! Don’t feel you need to live up to the unrealistic expectations, you see on TV or social media. Doing too many things, spending too much money, or eating or drinking too much can lead to even greater feelings of guilt and shame. Instead, think simple, show grace, even to yourself!! It’s OK to say no during any time of the year.
7. Give thanks for what the Lord has provided!! There are plenty of reasons to be grateful. After all, God’s love never quits! Let’s focus on giving thanks to our provider, not only giving stuff to our friends and families!
The holidays often bring times of joy, love, and laughter, but the after-effects can sometimes bring unwelcome stress and depression. It’s the busiest time of the year full of shopping, baking, preparing for parties, cleaning and the list goes on. Rather than letting those demands raise your stress level, you can minimize the stress that accompanies the holidays by applying these practical tips. As a result, you may even end up enjoying the holidays more than you thought you would!!
From my hubby, Patrick, and I, we wish you all a Merry Christmas and all of God’s very best for the New Year!!!!
Blessings!
Angie Hawkins
“I AM” Kinda Fit Ministry
Exodus 3:14
“I AM has sent me.”
