22 Dec 5 Tips for Managing Holiday Stress
Are you feeling the stress and pressure of preparing for the holidays?
Have you been running around getting ready for holiday parties or finding gifts for your children’s teachers and all your family members? Perhaps you are hosting your family for the holidays and must plan for that as well.
I get it. It’s too much! I have been there myself and know how stressful and overwhelming the holidays can be. In a time that is both fun and stressful, it is important to make time for ourselves to de-stress and take care of our own health so that we can actually enjoy the time we have with our loved ones.
Here are a few tips that I have used for myself and with patients to not only survive but to thrive during the holidays:
Get Enough Rest
You might have the occasional night that you are out late at a holiday party, but have you noticed that you just didn’t sleep very well that night? It could be from alcohol and eating late at night but in Chinese Medicine, the optimal time for getting the best rest is before 11pm. If you are staying up past 11pm you are dipping into your “yin time” or adrenals, otherwise known as your reserve of energy.
Using this reserve of energy will ultimately end up making you more tired in the long run. Sticking to your regular bedtime as best you can, granted that your regular bedtime is before 11pm, will ensure that you have the energy you need the next day to get all your tasks accomplished. In addition to feeling rested, another benefit of getting good rest is that you will be less likely to reach for sweets, caffeine or other stimulants that can make you crash later.
Skip the Grazing
This time of year, there are sweets EVERYWHERE! They are in the office, at holiday parties and home. If you would like to not gain an extra 5 pounds over the holidays, I recommend the following:
- Pick two days in a week where you allow yourself to sample the treats, but don’t make them consecutive days. After taking a day off be sure to get back to eating normally as it will be easier to drop the extra pound or so you put on the from the day before.
- Even though there are sweets around 24/7, it does not mean you need to sample ALL of them all the time. If you really want something, save it for the day you plan to take off. Having some self-control will go a long way in keeping extra holiday pounds off.
Get your body moving
Now I know what you are thinking. Walking through the mall counts as exercise, right? Yes, technically it does, however what I am specifically talking about is the multiple benefits of A 20-minute walk OUTSIDE. This will do wonders to clear your head and help you have more energy. Movement or exercise is one of the first things that gets pushed aside during the holidays, but it is one of the most important things you can do to help manage the stress AND keep the weight off. In Chinese Medicine, when someone is stressed they have what is called Liver Qi Stagnation. Just by moving your body and walking for 15-20 minutes, you can remove that qi stagnation and move out stress. The key is the combination of the movement AND the fresh air because you will move the stagnation AND clear your mind.
Plan For Some Fun Family Outings
The holidays are about spending time with our loved ones and celebrating our respective holidays together. Don’t forget to make some time for family fun, whether it be checking out local gingerbread house displays, lighting ceremonies or hitting the slopes for some well-earned skiing or sledding. Make sure to feed your souls, nourish your relationships and make special memories this holiday season.
Get your Acupuncture Tune-up
I just had my acupuncture tune-up and it couldn’t have come at a better time. I too have a lot to juggle as the holiday nears and acupuncture was just what I needed to relax and be able to take things in stride. The acupuncture needles help release stress and extra emotions you have and remove them from your body so you can feel refreshed and lighter. You still might be thinking about stressful things, but acupuncture removes anything that is stuck or stagnant.
If you are looking for a relaxing way to take time for yourself and de-stress this holiday season, or would like extra support for food cravings, book your next acupuncture appointment now.
“The Secret to living well and longer is: eat half, walk double, laugh triple and love without measure” – Tibetan Proverb
If you are looking for a last minute meaningful gift idea, I have the perfect solution! I am offering a HOLIDAY SPECIAL for a series of 3 acupuncture and cupping treatments for 25% off! What’s better than giving the gift of health! Offer ends 1/31/17
Happy Holidays Everyone!
Heather Kettner, LAc.
425-229-4920
Kirkland Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine