In addition to all the comfort and joy, vacation inevitably brings a lot of excitement with it. This is when some serious vacation stress advice comes in handy.
Perhaps you spend every moment of your day busy with the daily routine as it is, not to mention the endless list of to- do's like shopping, packing, baking, cooking, cleaning, and getting dressed.
Sure, meetings are fun, most of them, so the extra effort can make it seem like it's worth it right now.
The problem is that too much running, enjoying the holidays, lack of sleep, and uncovered emotions can tire you out faster than you can sing "Deck The Halls".
Vacation stress counseling is a real self-help solution.
In addition to the hustle and bustle and partying, the Christmas season often brings a variety of difficult emotions such as fear, sadness, frustration, loss of loved ones and shame for not being up to the task.
Partying during a pandemic can create a new layer of fear . It means you need to give yourself a little more love and compassion.
So what can you do so that your vacation to-do list doesn't have to sacrifice your health and happiness?
Take a break and start self-care strategies now.
You do your best to give your family and friends the best festivities ever, but you will achieve nothing if you are too tired to enjoy every precious moment.
Here are 10 expert tips for vacation stress so you can enjoy this year's festivities.
1. Sing.
Whether you're singing in the shower or washing up or attending your children's virtual school, take your time every day to sing to your heart's content.
Science says it makes you happier by activating your vagus nerve and activating your parasympathetic nervous system. It can promote wellbeing and a sense of belonging.
2. Take a walk in nature.
The ideal time for a brisk walk is before the freezing winter.
Wrap up, grab a hot cocoa to take away and enjoy the beauty of the season - dazzling lights, the scent of pine trees, fresh leaves or light snow under your feet.
3. Sleep.
As much as you want to stay up to see another Christmas movie, eat another plate of goodies, dance until dawn at your annual party, or stay up wrapping gifts, your body needs to rest.
Better to go to bed at a decent time than wake up with a migraine, puffy eyes, or a terrible virus.
4. Diffuse some essential oils.
It's amazing what a roller skating or home essential oil spray can do for your mood.
Try classic sweet and flavorful scents like cinnamon, clove, orange and incense, and peppermint to lift your spirits and give you energy to shop and clean. See it's all over!
Bonus: You fight germs and strengthen your immune system at the same time.
5. Enjoy foods that improve your mood.
By eating "happy foods" that contain the right nutrients and neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, you can eat for health and happiness on vacation.
The list includes nuts, cherries, spinach, fish, oatmeal, espresso, and even dark chocolate. Don't feel guilty for saying "yes" to these foods because they are all about taking care of yourself. Serious.
6. Find moments of mindfulness.
Sitting down for 20 minute meditation may not be realistic if you're trying to do more runs.
But it can be anything you need to enjoy your morning coffee intensely, play a few minutes with Scruffy in the garden, or snuggle under the covers with your partner before rushing out the door to indulge in the little joys ...
7. Begin a humble but powerful gratitude practice.
Put a gratitude journal or small notebook on your bedside table. Start small, write one thing that will make you grateful each morning.
Once you get used to it, you can make a longer list or give up the idea of a vacation-only list altogether, because who needs another list now?
8. Do good works.
Kindness is important to others, and according to science, it makes you feel good too . Not only does it make you feel like you are helping someone else, it also reduces your stress levels, improves your physical health, makes you happier, and even lets you live longer.
So volunteer to shop for a neighbor, donate to the chalkboard, give away a homeless blanket, make a child smile with a special gift and grow their heart two sizes at the same time.
9. Set limits.
Often you think you have to do everything. Who says? Manage your vacation expectations as well as those of others . Consider reducing the number of events or their duration so you don't feel trapped in a hamster wheel.
Protecting your energies is especially important for introverts who are quick to burn out from long social engagements that require them to hold onto a facade.
It's perfectly okay to say "no" to a dinner party or gift exchange. No reason is required. (Either way, Covid could be your reason this year.)
When attending events, you are spending time with the people who nourish your soul rather than those who make you feel imperfect.
10. Ask for help.
The most important strategy during the holidays and any time of the year is to ask for help when you need it. Better yet, ask for help before you need it.
Support can include the children decorating the mantle or tree, letting your partner shop, or calling a friend for much-needed ideas or moral support.
A short nap or a bubble bath to recharge the batteries or a call to a hotline if it gets too difficult can help.
People who take care of it are out there. Give him a little help and you will take on a shovel.
Even if you have a lot to do at this time of year, with a little more personal attention you can reduce the stress and enjoy everything the vacation has to offer.
More for you at YourTango:
Petsinis Lisa is a Certified Trainer (ACC) empowering women to shake off depression and guilt and regain the joy of doing what they love. Visit their website to learn more about their exclusive services.
This article was originally published at https://www.lisapetsinis.com . Reproduced with the permission of the author.
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