So we’re officially less than a week away from Christmas…Are you ready? For a lot of people this can be a really stressful time of year.
It seems like the closer it gets to Christmas, the more stress starts to kick in as you’re trying to finish up all of those last minute details. “I still have to buy gifts for how many people?! Seriously? I have nooo idea what to get them, they’re impossible to buy for! There are how many days left to shop? Oh! And I have to get my traveling plans all finalized! Not to mention food prepared and ready for the big day. I’m way too busy right now to make dinner…maybe I’ll just eat out… Except I really don’t need to be spending MORE money do I? And when will I get time to workout?” I’m sure these are just some of million things flying through your head this week. It can be a whirlwind of emotions that can easily spiral out of control if you aren’t careful.
Trust me I know the feels…I’m a little behind myself this year. In the past, I’ve let these thoughts build and stress really took over. But I’ve gotten a lot better at planning things out and not letting the stress get the best of me. Even though there’s usually a lot to get done this time of year, you really have to keep things in perspective and remember what the season is all about. Here are some tips and tricks that I use to help keep myself grounded through the craziness! đ
1. Try to keep things in perspective. Remember that even though this is special time of year, it is just another day of the year. The most important thing is being present and spending time with loved ones. The presents don’t matter as much as the time spent and the memories made. I guarantee that your family wouldn’t want you stressing over gifts for them anyways!
2. Take some deep breaths. Breathing makes a huge difference. When weâre stressed we tend to take short, shallow breathes instead of really filling our lungs like weâre supposed to. Stop and take some big, deep breathsâreally fill your whole stomach with air before exhaling. Try this a few times and feel yourself slowly start to calm down.
3. Try some meditation. Take a few minutes out each day to meditate or just clear your mind. Meditating does wonders for your mind and your state of being. If it’s new to you, I know that it might sound a little weird or uncomfortable but just try it. Trust me. Use an app like Headspace to walk you through it. Headspace makes it really easy, especially if you’re just starting out.
4. Take a break. If you start feeling overwhelmed, recognize it and step away for a second. I know you might be on  a time restraint but do it anyways–your own well-being and sanity are worth it! Just take a small break to gather your thoughts and calm down before returning to whatever you were working on. With a calm and clear mind you’ll be much more productive anyways.
5. Remember that life happens. Things’ll happen that are completely out of your control. If you know that now, it’ll be much easier to handle once it does. Don’t stress over the things that you can’t change anyways–it won’t do anything but wreak havoc on your own body and state of mind.
6. Exercise! Surprise, surprise right? It’s pretty much my answer for everything…but seriously! Exercise does wonders for your mood and will really help to keep your stress levels low. With the holidays being so busy as it is, it can be easy to just let your workouts slip, but don’t do it! Exercise will help keep you grounded, happy & healthy through the holidays. đ
7. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re really trying to keep your stress levels low but you’re still feeling insanely overwhelmed with to-dos, ask for help! I’m sure anyone around you would be happy to help! It’s better that you ask for help, than continue to stress yourself out–which will just lead to a grumpy, unhappy you, and that’s no fun for anyone involved! Keep the holidays fun & happy for yourself & everyone around you–ask for help when you need it!
I hope that these tips help to keep you grounded, happy & healthy this week! Happy, happy holidays!
Are there are other tips or tricks that you use to stay grounded through the holidays? I’d love to hear what they are! Let me know in the comments below!
Stay happy, healthy, & fit!
Xoxo
Ashley
