Practical Self-Care Tips to Turn Your Stressful Holiday Season Around

The holiday season is marketed as a time for joy and cheer. But for many, it’s also stress- and anxiety-invoking. If you find yourself in the latter situation, you’re not alone. While you may have to put in some intentional work, you can lessen the stress and anxiety by taking some proactive steps to create inner peace and enjoy the holiday festivities. With that in mind, let’s talk about some ways to make your holiday season merrier and brighter. 

Incorporate CBD Oils into Your Routine
Many have tried and found success with CBD oils. Good Housekeeping explains that CBD oils can be used for various purposes, one of which is to holistically manage stress and anxiety. You can simply add it to your daily routine and reap the benefits. 

 While CBD oil is derived from the cannabis plant, it does not have the THC, therefore it doesn’t possess the psychoactive effects. As with any supplement, it’s important to choose your CBD oils from a high-rated CBD dealer or a marijuana dispensary that provides quality oils, edibles or capsules. 

Stay in Contact with Your Support System
It’s easy to isolate yourself during times of stress and anxiety. As Cigna notes, isolation can make matters worse and cause your mental and emotional health to spiral downwards. It’s important to maintain frequent ties and connections with your support system throughout the season, let them know if the holidays have historically been a difficult time for you, and reach out often. 

 Particularly if you get stressed during family gatherings, if your anxiety sparks during travel, or if you will be away during the holidays, make sure you have a reliable phone to contact your support system when you need them. Now is a good time to evaluate whether you have an adequate phone plan that provides you with unlimited data cell phone plans for texts and calls so that you don’t have any surprise overage charges or slowed-down data.  

Exercise Regularly
Exercise may sound like a cliche, but it is the answer to many of life’s dilemmas. If you struggle from low energy, body aches, poor sleep, depression, anxiety, stress, and/or chronic illnesses, exercise may be the remedy. Exercise can improve your mood, relax you, manage health problems, and give you an outlet to release pent up stress. 

 If you find your stress or anxiety building, interrupting it with a workout session will increase your serotonin and leave you better off than you started. Throw on some festive tunes, focus solely on your body, and embrace the freeing of your mind.

Mind What You Eat
The holidays are synonymous with sugary treats and fatty foods. While the goodies are so very delicious and fun to indulge in, if you struggle from stress, depression or anxiety, the sugary, carb-filled, fatty foods can make matters worse. It takes some willpower, but if you want to avoid the highs, lows, and crashes that come with these foods, try to eat as cleanly as possible. Choose fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, lean proteins, and nuts and seeds whenever possible. Of course, you can still splurge here and there but aim for balance. 

Take Time a Timeout
The holiday season can feel active, busy and overwhelming. It’s easy to get out of your routine and lose sight of what’s important to you. Take time daily during this season to do things you love, that center you, that bring you happiness, and that calm you down. Don’t let the hustle and bustle of the season prevent you from reading, getting outside, meditating, or practicing your spiritual pursuits. Take some time for you, and allow yourself to keep the routines you love.

 Life is already chaotic. During the holidays, while there are many fun things to do, that chaos can become pure craziness and exhaustion. Be proactive this holiday season, and combat anxiety and stress by introducing CBD oils to your routine, staying connected to your support system, exercising regularly, and finding time for the things that ground you. 

 Image via Burst