The holiday season can be a great time to spend with friends and family, but it can also cause stress, anxiety, and angst. Unfortunately, during this time of year, people often resort to bad habits—they may cave in to sugar cravings, drink too much alcohol, or even go crazy with the caffeine. You don’t have to join a gym to get active. By making little changes like taking the stairs or going for a walk after dinner, you can help combat feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress. Click To Tweet

What Are the Best Ways to Unwind from Holiday Stress?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed after the holidays, it’s time to put the following relaxation plan into action. Here are seven great ways to help unwind from holiday stress.

  1. Take a Break
  2. Get Out in Nature
  3. Stay Positive
  4. Nurture Yourself
  5. Be Generous
  6. Eat Healthily
  7. Get Active

1) Take a Break

If you start feeling anxious or your stress is getting to you, take a break from what you are doing. This is the perfect time to concentrate on your breath, meditate, or just sit and relax.

2) Get Out in Nature

Spending time in nature can dramatically alter your mood and lift your spirits. Studies have found that even five minutes in nature can help reduce stress and boost your mood, helping you to relax.

3) Stay Positive

Those who stay positive and optimistic have been shown to better handle stress. Stay open-minded and if you find yourself getting annoyed or anxious in a situation, step back and think about all the things you have to be thankful for.

4) Nurture Yourself

One of the best ways to unwind from holiday stress is to take some time to nurture yourself. For example, you could take a yoga class or enjoy some time soaking in your hot tub. It has been found that soaking in a hot tub or therapy spa for just 20 minutes a day can dramatically improve your stress levels and help you get to sleep better at night.

5) Be Generous

One of the best ways to unwind from the holidays is to show some generosity. This doesn’t have to mean you’re spending a lot of money–you can easily be generous with your compliments to your loved ones, co-workers and friends, or you can generously offer to run a loved one’s dreaded errand.

6) Eat Healthily

Eating healthy after the holidays can help you beat stressful situations. You may be tempted to eat sugary treats and decadent goodies, but to be your most energetic, focused, and upbeat self, it’s best to eat foods that grow naturally (vegetables and fruits) along with healthy fats (such as olive oil and flax seeds), lean proteins (such as fish and organic chicken), and healthy legumes, nuts and seeds.

7) Get Active

Getting active can be one of the best ways to unwind and beat stress after the holiday season. Research shows that physical activity not boosts your fitness and energy levels but can also elevate your moods. Exercise has also been found to reduce anger, tension, fatigue, and confusion.

ProTip: You don’t have to join a gym to get active, either. By making little changes like taking the stairs or going for a walk after dinner, you can help combat feelings of depression, anxiety, stress.

Reduce Stress After the Holiday Season

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), it seems that most Americans tend to feel stress around the holiday times. By following the above tips, you can help decrease your stress and unwind from holiday stress.

Contact us to learn more ways to unwind from holiday stress.