How to de-stress from holiday anxiety

RILEIGH BRĒ COLE
MCHS Student Journalist

During the holidays, many people worry about all the extra baggage that comes with the season, such as weight gain and increased stress levels. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

There are many ways to help, including stress management techniques, being active, and implementing balance in your holiday meals.

The holiday season can be hectic, and finding time to do this can be extremely hard. Although the average person gains one to three pounds during this season, that doesn’t have to be you; you can manage all of this without throwing out all the fun that comes with the holidays.

Managing stress can be difficult, especially during this time of year. When dealing with all the places you need to be, what you need to bring, and when you need to prepare what you’re bringing, the list goes on and on.

However, there are ways to help. By getting adequate sleep (at least 7 hours), you can help fuel your body for the days ahead.

Also, do not overwhelm yourself with tasks; spread the things that need to be done to others to help share the load. Taking breaks allows you time to breathe and do things you enjoy, which makes for a way less stressful holiday season.

And don’t wait until Christmas Eve to wrap those presents; wrap one a day, and your stress levels will decrease significantly.

Staying active can be difficult due to hectic schedules, and some activities are weather-dependent. However, this is no excuse. You can stay active by dancing to Christmas music or building a snowman (if we ever get snow). Get creative. By involving your family, you can make this a beneficial and fun time with family and friends. If you think about it, you also get your heart rate up when doing chores.

If you are cleaning the house, you are constantly moving, like putting away dishes, going up and down the stairs, or even folding laundry. Be intentional when doing these things, and add extra movement.

Here’s the hard part: eating healthier. Eating healthier does not mean giving up your favorite holiday treats. You can find healthier ways to make your favorite dishes, but who wants to do that? Instead, you can add balance to your meals by adding fruits and vegetables to even out the nutrients – and maybe eat a little less.

You can focus on eating slowly and thoroughly chewing. Paying attention to when you feel full can help prevent you from overeating. Also, staying hydrated can help fuel your body and feel satisfied. So eat those Little Debbie Christmas Trees (just maybe not the whole box).

To conclude, the holiday season is hectic. It's difficult with chaotic schedules, to-do lists, food preparation, and all the other things that come with it. Managing stress, sharing the workload and spreading it out over several days, staying active, taking breaks to do things you enjoy, and adding balance to meals are all ways to help the season run smoothly while keeping you healthy and happy.

Remember, this season happens only once a year, so take the time to enjoy it.

Rileigh Brē is Vice-President of HOSA at MCHS.