I love the holidays, but they can be such a stressful time for everyone. It’s ironic because all we’re stressed about is having fun and enjoying the company of our loved ones! Hanging out with my daughters is my top priority, and because they are relatively young, the magic of the holiday season is still so exciting to them. I want to focus on making them happy, but I can only do that if I’m taking care of myself too. Below are some techniques I use to keep myself sane and healthy during the holiday rush:
- It’s OK to say NO. This time of the year is often filled with parties, social gatherings, and commitments to family and friends which brings on a lot of pressure and sometimes unnecessary stress. You know your limits when it comes to commitments. Respect your own boundaries by honoring your mental health during this time of the year and saying no.
- Squeeze in any exercise that you can. The holidays can often result in a packed calendar, and your regular workouts can seem impossible to get in. Get in movement wherever you can. Maybe that’s taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking a little further than you normally do when going to the store, or maybe doing some squats or stretches at your desk during the workday to get your blood going!
- Focus on the fun and don’t be too hard on yourself. Excess stress during this time of the year can shoot up your cortisol levels. An increase in cortisol levels can lead to weight gain, acne, fatigue, and irritability. This time of the year is temporary and goes by so quickly. Rather than trying to restrict yourself through excessive exercise or dieting, give yourself grace and extra self-love.
2019 Holiday Wellness Trends:
- Adaptogens are all the rage! For those who aren’t familiar, adaptogens are a select group of herbs and mushrooms that support the body’s natural ability to deal with stress. Research shows adaptogens can combat fatigue, enhance mental performance, and ease depression and anxiety, which will help you maintain your cool during the holidays.
- Everyone is so busy, but it’s more important than ever to prepare healthy meals for you and your family. Home healthy eating kits make this easy and will be a super popular gift this season.
- Go green by giving the gift of sustainable clothing! We’re living in a time where we don’t have to make sacrifices anymore – sustainable clothing and natural products are just as good as (if not better than) everything else now.
- Holistic health gifts are going to be big this year. People spent years trying to fix specific health issues, but the reality is that everything works symbiotically. Encouraging your loved ones to focus on their holistic health is the best thing you can do for them!
- I think we’ll see a significant rise in mindfulness practices during this time of the year. Everyone is pulled in a million different directions with work, friends, family, health, and trying to cram in all that comes with the holidays. Practicing mindfulness allows you to say yes when it’s important, no when it’s not, and really be present when you’re experiencing something.
The holidays are a great time to be able to extend that extra love and care to those around you, but don’t forget to give the person you’ve been in the longest relationship of your life that love too. You deserve the same love you give to others, if not just a little more.
Learn more about Ketchum’s Wellness Council and check out these additional holiday posts from other Wellness Council members:
- Rebecca Garland: This Holiday Season, Give Yourself the Gifts of Imperfection and Moderation
- Jonathan Leary: Hydrating for the Holidays, and Other Seasonal Advice
- Jennifer Walsh: Don’t Hibernate, Celebrate: Making Space for the World During the Holidays
Looking to get a handle on wellness trends for 2020? Sign up to register for our upcoming Wellness Council webinar.
