It’s hard to believe it, but it’s that time of year again, the holidays!
The month of December can be very stressful for many. Figuring out plans to get together with family and friends, meal planning and extra cooking, packed grocery stores, more traffic, money always on the mind.
Stress can seriously affect your health, body, mood, and behavior. Sleep problems, anxiety, lack of motivation, depression or sadness, fatigue, over/under eating, or substance abuse.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to check in with your doctor. We offer a variety of solutions that can be specific to whatever it is you’re experiencing.
Here’s just a few tips to keep in mind to try to keep your stress levels down:
- Delegate! You don’t always have to do everything yourself. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, talk to someone and let them know how you’re feeling. It’s ok to ask for help!
- Accept that you can’t control everything. And remember that there’s always tomorrow.
- Breathe! Inhaling and exhaling with your belly and actually focusing on your breathing can calm your mind and body down, and reconnect you with the present moment.
- Always remember the three fundamentals of energy: Eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and exercising a few times per week. When these three things are balanced, it can make a huge difference on your mood, energy, and outlook of life and how well you can handle stress.
- Eliminate! Reevaluate what it is you have to do. Is there anything on your schedule that you could stop doing that would have little to no consequences? Could you say no to one or a few of those things, to give you more energy to focus on what matters most in both your private and professional life?
While the holidays may be stressful, it’s a wonderful time to reflect on the year. The highs and lows, the accomplishments and gatherings, and to really take a minute and appreciate everything you have and realize everything you offer to this world.
We at Optima wish you and your families the happiest of holidays!