7 Daily Doses to Relieve Stress Before Christmas

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While some say this is the "most wonderful time of the year", others will say it's the most stressful time. Between finding the perfect gifts, getting out the holiday cards, planning festive holiday meals, and still trying to deal with the Covid pandemic AND figure out how to have the very merriest of weeks leading into the new year...  it can be nearly impossible to find time to unwind.

Stress has been tied to increased appetite and loss of sleep, both of which can cause weight gain. In addition, a stressful lifestyle means that you won’t have the time to cook healthy meals or exercise.

To avoid packing on excess holiday pounds and maybe even enjoy the holiday spirit, here are 7 Daily Doses to Relieve Stress Before Christmas.

Take the time and do each one for the seven days before Christmas Day... or start right now and do your favorites more than once!

Day 1: Bubble Bath Night: Peppermint-Scented Style

A warm bath is always a great way to unwind, but add some peppermint-scented bubbles (and maybe even a gingerbread-scented candle) to the mix, and you’ve got the perfect combination of luxury and holiday festivity. Take at least 45 minutes this evening for a good soak.

Day 2: Relax Into Some Tunes: Christmas Carol Style

No, we don’t mean for you to bundle up and head out the door with the family and go door-to-door singing yuletide joy to neighbors who may or may not be interested. When the house is quiet and your head is clear, grab a blanket (and maybe a cup of hot tea), lie in your bed and turn on some soft, slow-paced Christmas music. Close your eyes and enjoy it. Seriously, you would be amazed at how wonderfully relieving this will be.

Day 3: Family Flick Night: Christmas Movie Style

With all the shopping and scramble to find the perfect gift for your family, we often forget to just sit down and spend quality time together. Tonight, pick out an old Christmas movie and snuggle on the couch with popcorn and hot cocoa.

Day 4: Massage: Seasonal Style

Today, take a well-deserved break from shopping and go get a relaxing massage. You can even have the masseuse use cider or cinnamon-scented candles or oils to keep with the season.

Day 5: Get out: Winter Weather Style

Weather permitting... get yourself outside for a little bit of fresh air in the middle of what may feel like chaos. Feel the cold on your cheeks, the brisk air in your lungs, and maybe even some snow under your feet.  Even better, take along a hot cocoa or mulled cider.

Day 6: Walk Down Memory Lane: Christmas Album Style

Between all the hustle and bustle, when do we ever just take a moment to remember the good times from years past? Bust out your old photo albums and take an hour to look through them with the entire family.

Day 7: Just Breathe: Silent Night Style

On Christmas Eve, you probably won’t have much time to yourself. But find a quiet spot and take a few minutes to stop and breathe deeply. Being mindful and doing 60 seconds of deep-breathing techniques can work wonders in reviving your mind and spirit. Enjoy the silence, or even hum Silent Night to yourself.









Q: What do you do to relax during the busy Holiday season?
 

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Author: Caitlin H
Diet-to-Go Community Manager

Caitlin is the Diet-to-Go community manager and an avid runner. She is passionate about engaging with others online and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. She believes moderation is key, and people will have the most weight loss success if they engage in common-sense healthy eating and fitness.


 

Surviving the Holidays

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