This year has been one for the record books; it has been full of many different stressors for families and individuals around the country. As the holidays approach and the end of the year draws closer, finding ways to avoid additional stress and tension in your day-to-day life is important. Here are some tips that can help you reduce stress levels so you can have a happy, positive outlook for the rest of the holiday season.
#1: Stay active.
A simple daily walk for 30 minutes can work wonders, not only for your physical health, but your mental health, too. It has a calming effect on your brain and over time, can help with reducing anxiety.
#2: Say no.
It’s easy to feel pressure to say ‘yes’ to everything that’s asked of us. Home-cooked holiday meals? Handmade Christmas cards? Taking the kids around to all of the holiday activities around town? It’s easy to go overboard and feel overwhelmed. It’s okay to say ‘no’ to certain things and not feel guilty about it. This is an important part of self-care.
#3: Throw perfection out the window.
Being a perfectionist can be good and bad. Obsessing over doing it all and making it perfect along the way will just add to your stress. Focusing your energy on the important people in your life rather than the things that don’t really matter in the end will make your life more enjoyable – especially amid the busy holiday season.
#4: Be aware of your tech usage.
Is your cell phone constantly beeping or buzzing? These alerts are meant to be helpful, but in actuality, they can build up to create an urgent “must respond now” mentality. This adds pressure to your already busy lifestyle. So, consider turning off your gadgets at bedtime, turn down the volume at dinner, and set a limit on your screen time.
#5: Take time to do things you love.
Listen to your favorite music. Grab a good book and get lost in it for a while. Take a long run in the brisk morning air. Set aside a few hours on a weekend to hike a new trail. Take some time to whatever allows you to recharge and relax.
#6: Ask for an extra hand.
Sometimes, the day to day duties of running a household can be too much to handle. So, ask for help! Hire a housekeeper to come in and clean every week or every month. Find an skilled nanny to help care for your kids. Bring in a personal chef to help shop and prepare meals on a regular basis. Hiring an experienced household employee to work in your home is a great way to add more time to your day and alleviate unwanted stress.
The holidays – especially in 2020 – can easily cause extra tension. Following these simple steps is a great way to help you enjoy and embrace life. Contact us today to see how we can help place the right household employee in your home.
