The holiday season, while so enjoyable, can also add a layer of stress. The calendar and scheduling demands, the hosting, and the overall busyness that comes with the time of year can often feel overwhelming. I’m sharing four practices I put in place when stress starts creeping on in.
Slow Down
Taking a minute (or hour) to slow down allows me to reprioritize and keep things moving on track. It puts things in perspective and shifts my focus to what is important. For me, this means taking a walk, doing some yoga, or simply just relaxing for a few minutes on the couch.
Breath Work
Implementing breathing techniques to release stressors is so helpful for me. I’ve found that using Headspace for a quick guided meditation or breath series has been a game changer when I begin to feel overwhelmed.
Podcasts and Books
Leaning into the advice of experts has been something that has proven to be super helpful for me. If I need to shift my focus or have a little mental reset, I enjoy reading a book or podcast that speaks to how I’m feeling. The Calmer You Podcast is a great one for anxiety!
Digital Detox
This one is hard for me, but putting devices away and avoiding digital distraction for a bit tends to immediately reduce stress and allow my mind to focus.