The holiday season is a time of wonderment and joy for most people. However, the many extra demands during this time of year may lead to holiday anxiety for one in four people. Decorating the house, buying gifts for family and loved ones, sending Christmas cards and perhaps hosting a holiday dinner or party may all take a toll. If you are starting to feel holiday anxiety, there are some simple tips that I have found that help people to cope better and feel more relaxed during the holiday season.
Breathing
Slow your breathing. This is one of the simplest things that anyone can do when caught up with feelings of holiday anxiety. Breathe with the “Four Step Method” by being very conscious with your breath. Count to four to breathe in, count to four to hold your breath, count to four to breathe out, and count to four to rest. Then repeat this sequence. Do this for a few minutes throughout the day during the holidays and experience the calm that follows.
Taking Time to be Quiet
Taking some time to be alone each day is especially important during the holidays. Plan some alone time daily with your feet propped up while listening to your favorite relaxation music. My favorites include Native American flute music, harp music, piano music, and sounds of nature music. This is a wonderfully relaxing experience.
Spend some time in prayer and meditation each day to quiet the mind. Affirmative prayer is especially helpful. After just ten to fifteen minutes, the mind, body and spirit are refreshed.
Scheduling a Healing Touch Session
During times of anxiety and stress, consider scheduling a relaxing 45 minute session of Healing Touch. This is one of the things I have been doing for myself for over 15 years. Regular sessions of Healing Touch have helped to transform my life. When feeling anxiety, I do some Healing Touch techniques to relax. People can learn Healing Touch techniques themselves to start each day in order to cope better with the extra anxiety of the holiday season.
Anti-Anxiety Super Foods
Eating healthy during the holidays is important to balance extra stress. Try to avoid comfort foods that are high in fat, fried and high in calories. Instead, switch to eating super foods that are higher in nutrition, keep your body feeling better and also keep your body running smoother. Super foods give the body a boost and act as mood enhancers.
The best super foods include fresh fruits like peaches, acacia berries and blueberries; almonds, dark chocolate with high cocoa percentages, and maca root tea (from a Peruvian root). Eat these foods in unprocessed forms, if possible. Each of these super foods offers many health benefits and all help to ward off anxiety. So, enjoy some of these foods each day during the holidays and feel the difference in your mood.
Joy, Peace and Happiness during the Holidays
By following these tips, you may find that this holiday season is one of the most enjoyable ever. Remember to also laugh and to have fun each day!
Happy Holidays to you!
References:
Mayo Clinic staff. Stress, depression and the holidays: Tips for coping http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress/MH00030
http://www.healingtouchinternational.org/index.php
http://www.calmclinic.com/anxiety/treatment/7-foods-that-fight-anxiety
http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2011/11/30/8-ways-to-keep-your-sanity-during-the-holidays/