December 4, 2022: Holiday Stress

My weekly Get Your Stuff Together Sunday email series gives you one actionable focus for the week that will make your life a little easier.

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We all know the holidays are extremely stressful. You’re already trying to eat right, and maintain your exercise program, but now, you’re adding shopping, traveling, and going to family functions. It can be quite a drag on your time, and your mental health. And when this happens…you could be useless to your friends, family, and even your co-workers. So what can you do to maintain your mental health throughout the holidays? This week, we’re going to talk about how you can keep from having holiday stress ruin the season for you.

Here are some quick tips for how to keep things merry and bright:

  • Manage your stress

  • Keep your routines the same (or as close as possible)

  • Stay Active

  • Practice Daily Stress Relieving Techniques, like yoga or meditation

  • Spend some time with those you want to spend time with

  • Understand when you need time alone

Exercise helps lower stress, balances out important hormones, and improves memory, concentration, and focus - all of which you need during the holiday season.

So what should you be doing? According to the American Council on Sports Medicine, you should:

  • Participate in moderate exercise for a minimum of 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week OR participate in vigorous intensity exercise for a minimum of 20 minutes a day, 3 days a week

  • Participate in strength training at a minimum of 3 days each week

I will add in 5 to 10 minutes of meditation, yoga, or other mindfulness exercises each day to clear my head, reduce stress, and maintain balance throughout the holiday season.

The holidays can be stressful. With the parties, traveling, and gift-giving, there is a lot to do, and not much time to do it. But, the holidays can also be one of the best times of year, since you get to see family you don’t normally see, and you’re immersed in the spirit of giving. Although it can be stressful, you need to keep in mind your mental health, and manage your stress—before it becomes a problem.

I hope that these tips help you control your stress so you can maintain a happy, healthy holiday season.

Next Sunday, we’ll talk about my 12 Days Of Christmas Workout.

Want some expert help with reaching your health goals painlessly? Check out my programs! I also have some really awesome monthly subscriptions. We’ll get everything taken care of in a way that fits into your current lifestyle so you never have to think about your health again.

Do you have a friend who could stand to G(her)ST? Feel free to forward this!

I hope you have a wonderful week,

Kelly

Kelly Morgan, Ph.D.

Tsirona - www.tsirona.com

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