3 Simple Ways to Enjoy the Holiday Season

Halloween has come and gone, and Thanksgiving is approaching quickly; it is fair to say the holiday season is upon us once again.

With Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and the New Year all happening within a span of 12 weeks, many of us will overindulge, feel overwhelmed, become overstressed, and ultimately exhaust ourselves.

You know the drill.

How do you plan to approach this holiday season? Will you react the same way as last year, or change course and take a different approach?

If you lack a plan, consider embracing these three simple behaviors that I incorporate during the holiday season to maintain balance during my favorite time of the year.

Get Off Social Media.

I want to be honest with you; this is a challenging issue. I often take a break from social media during the holiday season because seeing all the pictures, social gatherings, and family posts with everyone smiling perfectly makes me feel bad about myself.

I don't have a picture-perfect family or life. Life is not flawless, and many social media posts are just masks.

If you find it challenging to quit social media altogether, try to limit your time on these platforms for the sake of your mental health. Use this time to reflect on what you are most grateful for and appreciate the positive aspects of your life.

Get Enough Sleep.

Getting enough sleep helps reduce stress. During sleep, your body repairs itself from all the daily stressors and environmental factors that you experience daily.

By maintaining high stress levels, the body releases a steroid hormone called cortisol. Excessive cortisol levels in the body can wreak havoc on your metabolism and body. Aim for 6 to 8 hours of sleep daily. FYI, a 15-minute power nap can positively impact your mental and physical well-being.

Stay Consistent with Your Physical Activity.

Studies have shown that people who spend more time outdoors are happier, healthier, and stronger, both cognitively and physically.

Maintaining a workout schedule of 15 to 30 minutes of physical activity daily can significantly reduce your stress levels. Exercise triggers the release of endorphins and serotonin in the body, which significantly improves your mood.

This time of year can get hectic. Set a timer for 10 to 20 minutes and perform bodyweight exercises like push-ups, dips, squats, jumping jacks, lunges, and burpees. Take advantage of cooler weather by biking, walking, or running outdoors. Just keep moving your body!

The holiday season can be stressful and bring out the Grinch in all of us. Long lines in stores, traffic, entertaining family, last-minute gift shopping, and endless parties will surely test our patience.

In stressful moments, take a deep, long breath and breathe out for 4. Or take 10 minutes to decompress and recharge.

The holidays come once a year. Enjoy friends, family, and festivities.