Self-Care During the Holidays: 10 Tips to Help Promote Relaxation

By: Amos Sullivan, SunServe Life Coach – Youth & Family Services with contributions from: John Marler, SunServe – Dir. of Communications

The holidays can be a joyous time but can also be stressful. Between shopping for gifts, preparing meals, and attending holiday gatherings, finding time to relax and rejuvenate can be challenging. Therefore, taking care of yourself during the holiday season is essential. In this edition of “Ask Amos,” we will discuss ten tips for self-care that will help you recharge during the hectic holiday season! This edition’s question comes from Brian Kleinman from Oakland Park, FL. Brian asked Amos, “What can I do to reduce the stress I seem to always experience during the holiday season?”

Hi Brian and thank you for this important question. For many people, the holidays can be a time of delight and togetherness, but it can also be a time of added stress and anxiety. This is because the holiday season can bring a lot of pressure to have a fun time. There are expectations of spending time with family, friends, and co-workers. You are also invited to attend holiday gatherings and parties and of course, buy gifts. All of this can add up to a lot of stress and anxiety.

Here are ten helpful suggestions that can help reduce stress during the holiday season and other typically stressful situations (Photo by Victor Candiani).

1. Take a break from social media: This can be a time of added stress, as people often compare their lives to others on social media.
2. Set realistic expectations for yourself and others: Don’t put pressure on yourself to have a perfect holiday
3. Take time for yourself each day to relax and unwind: Dedicate some time each day to do something that relaxes you, such as reading, taking a bath, or listening to music.
4. Exercise regularly: Exercise is a terrific way to de-stress and help you feel more energized during the holiday
5. Eat healthy foods: Eating healthy foods will help keep your energy levels up and can help reduce
6. Avoid caffeine and alcohol: Caffeine and alcohol can both add to the stress of the holiday
7. Get enough sleep each night: Getting enough sleep will help you stay energized and relaxed during the
8. Spend time with loved ones in positive ways, without any pressure to have a good time: Quality time with loved ones is one of the best things about the holidays, without any pressure to have a “perfect” holiday.
9. Say no to events or gatherings that will add stress to your life: If an event or gathering is causing you stress, it is ok to say no.
10. Talk to a therapist if the holidays are causing you added stress: If the holidays are adding a lot of stress, talking to a therapist can be helpful. SunServe offers no-cost mental healthcare for youth and adults. Do not hesitate to contact the intake team at (954) 764-5150, email info@sunserve.org, or visit sunserve.org/contact.

If you feel stressed, anxious, or burnt out during the holiday season, it is important to take care of yourself. This means setting aside time just for you and your mental health. You can do this by taking a yoga class, walking in nature, reading a book, or spending time with your pets. Taking care of yourself will help you feel relaxed and enjoy the holiday season more!

Thank you for reading this edition of “Ask Amos.” If you would like to send me your question for future articles, please email it to AskAmos@SunServe.org. If we choose your question, you will receive a gift card to a local South Florida business. Until next time folks, stay happy, healthy, and well.