The shopping and crowds. The back-to-back diet busting parties. We understand how easy it is to feel not so wonderful at this most wonderful time of the year. That’s why I’ve rounded up 6 expert-endorsed ways to help you dodge the seasonal blues and stay happy, healthy, and energized.
1. Take a sunrise hike: It stimulates the production of feel-good serotonin and also helps relive seasonal affective disorder, which impacts millions of Americans every year, say Judith Orloff, MD, an assistant professor of psychiatry a the University of California, Los Angels.
2. Walk away your worries: “The rhythm and repetition of walking has a tranquilizing effect on your brain, and it decreases anxiety and improves sleep,” says nutrition-and-wellness expert Ann Kulze, MD. Aim for a brisk, half-hour walk every day.
3. Do less, enjoy more: “We go overboard to please others during the holidays: shopping, cooking, sending cards, and attending every event,” says George Pratt, PhD, a psychologist at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla in California. “Instead, take care of yourself by saying no at least once—and maybe more.”
4 Stick with your daily routine: Prioritize your workouts, book club, etc., and don’t try to squeeze in more holiday than you can handle, says Katherine Muller, PsyD, an assistant professor of psychology at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City.
5. Give a ‘hands-on’ gift: In one study, participants who gave massages had fewer medical woes and less stress than those who received rubdowns. Best scenario: You and your partner gift each other.
6. Fit in exercise: It may be the last thing you feel like doing when you’re stressed out, but going for a run or hitting the gym can actually make you feel better. Research has found that workouts can boost your mood for up to 12 hours.
Utilizing these strategies will help you avoid that holiday stress and enjoy the holidays. Most importantly remember, it’s time to celebrate with your family and friends.
