Mindful Ways to De-stress During the Holidays

By Alexandria

Are you feeling stressed? It’s time to de-stress!

Did you know?

• 69% of people are stressed by the feeling of having a “lack of time.”
• 69% of people are stressed by the feeling of having a “lack of money.”
• 51% of people are stressed because of the “pressure to give or get gifts.”

Accept imperfection. We all have those bad days where it seems like nothing else could possibly go wrong, and when something does, we’re just ready to give up. Stop and realize that it is okay if things aren’t going as planned.

The holidays can be hectic and overwhelming. It should be no surprise that many of the main holiday stressors include gift giving obligations, expenses out of budget, lack of time and ability to pick out the perfect gift. With so many expectations, on top of your usual workload, you are putting your body under pressure to help you get everything done. No matter how organized you are, holiday chores are still completed at a great price.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by everything on your to do list, remember to take a few deep breaths. Get out of the doing mode for a little while and let yourself just relax. Take a break and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee. Another way to de-stress is to step outside and enjoy nature.

It can be challenging to distance yourself from the clutch of activity and connect with the moment in a restful way. But research suggests that it’s worth the effort to slow down and regain your focus. A study out of Harvard found that a wandering mind—typical in our multitasking culture—is a strong cause of unhappiness.

This holiday season, if you are more aware of the effects of stress on your body and how to handle it, you will be more inclined to sleep in heavenly peace.

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Laughter is always a quick and easy way to help you instantly de-stress. Here are some Christmas jokes to get you through these hard times:

Q: What do you get when you eat a Christmas Ornament?

A: Tinsillitis!

Q: Why are Christmas trees so fond of the past?

A: Because the present’s beneath them.

Q: Where do polar bears vote?

A: The North Poll!

BIO: My name is Alexandria and I am a homeschooled teen from Oklahoma (Tornado Alley). I have been homeschooled for the past seven years. I spend my days playing basketball, reading, writing and studying psychology, as well as, true crime. I am the oldest of four kids and I have three preposterous but loveable younger brothers. I plan to graduate college and pursue a career in a field that involves both computer science and criminal justice. One of my favorite quotes; “One of the deep secrets in life is that all that is really worth doing is what we do for others.” – Lewis Carroll