De-stress for a More Enjoyable Celebration

With Hanukkah starting Wednesday evening, and Christmas and Kwanzaa just around the corner, is your to-do list starting to overflow?

Decorating the house, buying the perfect presents, sending cards, shopping and cooking favorite traditional and family recipes?

Combine that with volunteering or doing special good deeds for family and friends, these admirable goals may leave you feeling run down and disappointed during the holiday season. 

The season is full of joy and beauty but high expectations and pressure to create the ideal celebration can lead to anxiety, stress and burnout.

So include yourself on the gift list this year. Pamper yourself by trying the following tips recommended by local businesses and health experts to de-stress this holiday season. 

• Ask for help. If you can't do it all, ask for help or cut back on the activities. Do only what you can do and still be satisfied.
• Take a 10-minute walk in your neighborhood during a marathon greeting-card session. This could be the pick-me-up you need to pull you through the rest of your busy day.

• Reward yourself after you accomplish an essential task. For example, after wrapping all the gifts, treat yourself to a manicure. Since your hands work overtime during the holidays, they are going to need it. Not only will you feel pampered but also your nails will look beautiful for a holiday party.
• Take a time out for tea. A warm cup of chamomile tea will help relax you. Or head to your favorite coffee shop for a cup of specialty coffee. Just make sure it is the decaffeinated version!
• After a long day of shopping, head for your bathtub! Spend some time soaking in a warm and quiet bath.
• If quietness is hard to come by in your house, get yourself into bed earlier than usual. You can't look or feel your cheeriest come Christmas Eve if you're wiped out.
• Buying gifts for everyone can become expensive and a challenge. Start a new tradition of 'less is always more.'
• Instead of searching the mall, shop at local stores in your neighborhood. You will not have to deal with the big, box-store parking lots and feel good that you are helping a small business.
• Shop online while watching Miracle on 34th Street.
• When you are out buying the perfect spa gift card for your best friend pamper yourself with a facial or massage for yourself.

 
Finally, take a moment to enjoy the simple pleasures of the season.  Stay healthy by finding time to relax.  The better you feel, the happier your holidays will be.