Mindful Wellness For The Holidays

During the winter holiday frenzy, it is easy to get too busy and to feel overwhelmed! Here are some practical tips to help you minimize the stress, maximize the joy, and stay healthy during the busiest time of year.

• Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, volunteering your time to help others is a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships.
• Be realistic. The holidays don’t have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to, and be open to creating new ones.
• Learn to say no. Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. If it’s not possible to say no, try to remove something else from your agenda to make up for the additional time.
• Don’t abandon healthy habits. Don’t let the holidays become a free-for-all. Overindulgence only adds to your stress and guilt. Have a healthy snack before holiday parties so that you don’t go overboard on sweets, cheese or drinks. Continue to get plenty of sleep and physical activity.
• Take a breather. Make some time for yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Find something that reduces stress by clearing your mind, slowing your breathing and restoring inner calm.