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Stop and take a minute to read through this. If you follow these tips you can start enjoying your holiday season more!

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a real thing. Getting outside in the sun for even 10 or 20 minutes can have an amazing effect on your mood! If you absolutely can't get outside, consider getting a "day-light" lamp for your desk or living room.
Winter weather is actually very dehydrating. Drinking water is not only good for your health, it helps your mood!
Most people have that one scent that reminds them of something wonderful. Baking cookies, evergreen trees, candy canes, or gingerbread. Pleasant scents relax and refresh us.
Laughter IS the best medicine - and the best way to beat stress and the holiday blues as well!
Striving for perfection is a stress INDUCER. No one is perfect, and no one expects you to be. Lower your own expectations of yourself and do what makes you happy.
Especially at this time of year, there are so many opportunities to help others, but pick the ones that you truly enjoy. You CAN say no.
Do you spend days in the kitchen baking treats for the neighbors and pies for the family Christmas dinner? If it's no longer enjoyable, STOP. The neighbors and the family will be FINE with store bought treats and pies. What other holiday traditions are no longer enjoyable? Just because you've always done it doesn't mean you have to keep doing it.
This doesn't mean wolfing down a doughnut in the car. Getting a good start to the day is important year round. You will be more alert and less stressed any day you eat a healthy breakfast.
Put on some music you enjoy and just relax. Alone or with your family and friends. Even if you are working on a stress inducing task, listening to music while you do it will make it less stressful.
Don't be wired, just BE! Put down the phone. Turn off the computer. Turn off the TV. Even going "tech free" for 15 minutes to an hour allows your brain to reset and refocus without distraction.
I can't guarantee a stress free holiday, but these tips should help keep it to a minimum. As always, if you want to talk, give me a call - Florie W. Jackson LCSW