Have you ever been so stressed that you need a break even when you’re on vacation? Demanding careers and stressful family gatherings can spell a recipe for disaster. But there are small ways to enjoy the holiday season this year. Here are ten mindful ways to relax during the holidays.
Reach out for support
Holidays with the family can get stressful, so you should feel free to reach out to your friends. That could mean hanging out with your friends, bombarding your group chat, or arranging a debriefing session with your partner. Or you could hang out with your favorite cousin to catch a break.
Enable your vacation email responder
People put pressure on themselves to reply to work emails right away, which causes even more stress. Your vacation responder relieves some of that pressure. Setting your out-of-office message lets coworkers know that you will not be responding to emails during the holidays.
Share holiday priorities with friends and family
Being in charge of the holiday feast is the last thing you need when you have significant work obligations. To make everyone’s life easier, consider asking friends or family members to help with the cooking. Allow others to bring a few dishes, so you don’t have to cook all day. Sharing vacation time with others can help reduce your overall workload.
Load up on snacks
Sure, grandma may tell you not to stuff yourself before her famous dish comes steaming out of the oven, but that will not cure your hunger. Plan ahead of time and indulge in some light snacking, so you can eat the big meal. You’ll be able to enjoy yourself instead of allowing your upset stomach to ruin your mood.
Do not set the alarm
On work days, most people stick to a routine. Alarms help people maintain them. But they can also be stressful, and you might dread the start of the day. During your holidays, allow yourself to enjoy the mornings without rushing. Allow your body one day to wake up when it wants to.
Avoid checking your phone first thing in the morning
When you wake up, avoid looking at your phone. Turn off your phone or keep it out of reach from where you sleep. The brain is stimulated by technology. Reading emails, news, or other information can leave you excited, depressed, or stressed. Try to start your day slowly, without the distractions of technology and strong reactions.
Set boundaries
Who doesn’t dread the inevitable family brawl? If you spot someone getting into an argument after dinner, it’s best to leave quickly. Or, when your uncle brings up ‘the incident,’ walk away. Set your limits and prepare possible responses for the inevitable conversation. Focus on setting your boundaries and not letting relatives annoy you.
Go outside and move around
Many people frequently put their physical fitness on hold because they think they need more time. Make the time to work out over the holidays. Go for a morning run or an afternoon walk. Practice breathing deeply. You have the time, but you must be motivated to exercise.
Enlist the wellness offerings of CBD
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychedelic active ingredient extracted from hemp plants. You can ingest it as a tincture or a gummy for an extra calming effect. You won’t nod off at the dinner table or have hallucinations about the turkey dancing. You might, however, feel a little bit more in control.
Enjoy a nutritious breakfast
People tend to neglect or rush through breakfast. They are stressed and eager to get to work. But it’s the holiday season. So, take it easy. Enjoy your meal. Go to the local cafe and read the newspaper. Have some control over your schedule, at least in the morning.
Make time for family
If you must work over the holidays, set aside time for your loved ones. Commit to sharing a meal with them, or make time to watch a football game. You don’t necessarily have to spend all your time with your family, but try to spend some time with them.