This time of year can be both wonderful and stressful! Maintaining traditions, juggling schedules, being around family, and coordinating meals/gifts/etc. is enough to make anyone feel overwhelmed. But to top it all off, you may be in the middle of a renovation project or home improvement project. Your traditions feel interrupted and the holidays may not feel the same. If you are feeling the pressure, you are not alone!
Here are 3 holiday activities that will not only bring the magic of the season to your home, but will also help you manage stress!
1) Go On A Walk And Admire The Lights!
If your neighborhood is anything like ours just about every house on the block has a light display adorning their roofline. A few of the houses even have trees wrapped, inflatable yard ornaments, and light-up reindeer. Grab a jacket and head out to view the lights on foot!
Going for walks is proven to reduce stress, relieve tension, and improve your mood. One of the most important thing to do while on walks is to keep your head up to maintain a healthy posture. Looking at lights will not only encourage this body alignment, but will also force you to be present in your surroundings. If you are feeling the pressure from the holiday season this may be a great way to get everyone out into the fresh winter air all while taking in the beauty of the holiday season.
2) Drink Peppermint Tea or Hot Chocolate
With increased stress and pressure often comes an anxious tummy and tension headaches. Peppermint is proven to relieve upset stomachs and lessen the pain from tensions headaches. Peppermint has also been shown to give a spike in energy and make you feel more alert. Were you up late wrapping gifts or finishing a work project? A peppermint tea may do just the trick the next afternoon to keep you going all day long.
Not a fan of tea? Try a peppermint hot chocolate! You will get the same added benefits from the peppermint and who doesn't love a little chocolate this time of year!
3) Decorate Cookies Or A Gingerbread House
Research shows that doing a creative activity will boost your mental well being because it forces us to think differently about the world around us. Small shifts in our daily routine have a way of altering the way we look at problems or challenges. We find ourselves open to new ideas, more aware of opportunity, and willing to accept change.
This holiday season grab a cookie decorating kit or make your own! Adding frosting to cookies or setting up a gingerbread home will spark that natural creative process and get you thinking differently. This activity will force you to be present in your surroundings while creating something new. Plus, it can be a fun activity for a large group if you are in need of a crowd pleaser!
From my home to yours, Happy Holidays - I am so thankful you are here!