10 Ways to Manage Holiday Stress

The holiday season can bring a lot of joy as well as a lot of added stress. Emotions run high during this time of year. It’s not unusual to put a lot of pressure on ourselves during the holiday season. We may already have the added stress of working longer hours and hitting extra traffic on our daily commute, but on top of that is piled stress of purchasing gifts, holiday hype, holiday travel, family challenges, money challenges, lack of time, and meal arrangements. 

So how do we manage this added stress during the holiday season?

1. Connect
   The holiday time is a great time to connect with a community. Whether this is friends, family, or a community group, it’s good to spend time connecting with others. If you don’t have the ability to connect with others in person during the holiday season, spend time writing cards or connecting with people on social media. Don’t be afraid to reach out to someone that you may not have connected with for awhile.
2. Meditate
   A daily meditation practice is important for mental stability. I find that there are some great apps out there to not only help hold you accountable but also guide you through your meditation practice. My personal favorite is Insight Timer because I can connect with people meditating all over the world.
3. Practice Yoga
   This could be a great opportunity to check out that local studio or start your own home practice. Not only will yoga help you stay grounded, but you’ll feel better overall by continuing with a regular exercise practice. Keep up on your yoga practice during the holiday season, and your body will thank you in January.
4. Take Time to Breath
   When we get wrapped up in the “go go go” mentality of the holidays, we may sometimes forget to breath. Our body reacts to our breath. For example, when we are scared or stressed, we will take short shallow breaths. When we are relaxed, we’ll naturally take long slow deep breaths. Our breath is like a lifeline to our mind. Make sure to take time throughout the day to practice deep breathing. Another good practice is “alternate nostril breathing” or Nadi Shodhan Pranayama or any Pranayama you may prefer. 
5. Spend Time Journaling About What You Are Grateful For
   This is a perfect opportunity to remember what the holiday season is really about. Spend some time journaling about what you are grateful for this season. You can keep a gratitude journal and record 3 items you’re grateful for everyday. Take time to reflect anytime you need a “pick me up.”
6. Moon Gazing Meditation
   Moon gazing meditations is a concentration meditation that is great for connecting to natural circadian rhythms. During the winter it’s probably best to sit inside and find a window that allows you to see the moon. Focus on the moon and take nice deep breaths. Anytime the mind wanders, bring your attention back to the moon. “Full Moon Meditation” is a powerful guided meditation by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar which heals and calms you with the soothing rays of the moon. Moon and mind are deeply connected. Practicing this meditation on a full moon day has many powerful benefits for the mind and body.”