HEALTH

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, yet sometimes it can be a struggle to keep a smile on your face. The stress of the holidays can have a negative impact on your mental health and it’s totally understandable (you are not alone, trust us!). Try these tips for staying zen, and if you still don't feel better, consider delving a little bit deeper. 

Figure out what’s bothering you.
Is it the fact that you're busy? Are you getting no alone time? Is your family struggling with money? Whatever it is, find the root of your stress so you can figure out the best way to deal with it.

Talk to someone.
There’s nothing wrong with slipping away to your room with a cousin, your mom or a phone call to your BFF to vent about your feelings. If there is someone around you who is causing the stress, maybe pull them aside and tell them that you don’t like when they say this or do that (in a nice way, obvs).

Find some alone time.
Take a long shower, drink a cup of tea, read a book or listen to your fave jam to release some stress. You could also throw on a jacket and scarf to get some fresh air and a nice walk. This is also a great way to get some happiness-boosting extra vitamin D.

Try a pressure point.
Say you’re stuck at a family dinner or you’re in the middle of opening presents and you can’t leave. Well, there’s a space on your hand where you can subtly add pressure to relieve stress. Place pressure on the tender spot between your thumb and pointer finger while taking some deep breaths for instant relief.

Stop checking your phone.
Technology is where a lot of stress can stem from. So instead of using it to block people out or get sucked into comparing your holiday to that girl on Insta's, find another activity that doesn’t include technology like writing, reading or even coloring.

Find a calming scent.
Aromatherapy can be super helpful for the overstressed, so switch up your usual body lotion or perfume for something with calm-inducing peppermint or eucalyptus. Rub a little on in the morning, then carry the scent with you in your purse in case you need to reapply in a particularly stressful sitch. 

Stick to a normal routine.
Over the holidays, we tend to change up our sleeping and eating schedules, but that's a huge no-no. Your body can go into freakout mode when it’s deprived of the essentials, leaving you feeling tired, cranky and just blah. Try to stick to your normal routine, and make sure there's substance in the food you eat (cookies are yum, but only in moderation!). 

Change your phone background.
Even if you're trying to cut out technology, you probably still have to use it occasionally. Go on Pinterest and find your fave cheesy or positive quote to keep you in check. If you’re going to be looking at your phone, you might as well be getting a soothing message while you’re at it.

What about the holidays stresses you most and how do you conquer it? Tell us in the comments below!

by Bella Torres | 12/21/2019