We love our families, but let’s be honest, the holidays can be a LOT.  Here are some tips and tricks for decreasing stress so you can enjoy the season!

We like to move it, move it

Add some movement in whatever ways you can. At work, you can stand at your desk (repurpose a folding table pretty cheaply), sit on a wobble stool or ball chair to get some movement in even while you’re seated, park farther out at the mall, and take the stairs.

Add in some walks where you can, especially after a holiday feast. Play with the kids and pets outdoors. It won’t burn off as many calories as you’d like, but it does help with energy levels and reduce stress.

Eat, drink, and be well

Yes, there are lots of goodies around this time of year! But a heavy calorie load isn’t any better for you, just because it happens in December. 

Make sure the healthy food comes first, before you start adding in junk food. Treats are fine, but they’re not meals. What treats do you only access during this time of year? Prioritize those. Skip the ones you eat any old time.

Hydrate! If you’re partying, remember, alcohol is dehydrating. As is sugar. Make sure everyone is getting plenty of water. This also helps people slow down on the sweets.

Good fences make good neighbors…

… and good boundaries make good holiday seasons. 

Kids need guidance on how and how not to behave. Rewards and corrections should be clear to them. If you have a relative who’s always troublesome this time of year … and who doesn’t, really?? … make sure you know how much time you’ll spend with them. (If at all.) And how to make a graceful exit when you need to.

Boundaries are for yourself too. Need time to recharge? Set aside time that you only want to spend with close family, or even hang out by yourself. Not with the neighbors from three streets away, plus your work colleagues, or the cousins that only seem to show up at dinnertime. 

Don’t say “yes” when your heart says “no”.

It’s OK to not go to every single party you’re invited to. It’s OK to hang out in your jammies with the kids or your spouse on a cold winter night.

Help, help!

You’re not going to get any prizes for doing everything yourself. They don’t give out gold medals for running yourself into the ground. I checked.

Ask for help. Your kids can take on a number of chores if they haven’t already. Ask for help with what you need. 

It reduces the stress on you, which means your family is less stressed. Kids like to contribute. LET THEM. No, it won’t be perfect. Will anyone notice or care besides you? Also no!

Take a deep breath and enjoy your holly jolly holiday.

Need to lift up your folding table so you’re not crouching down and hurting your back (which also leads to more stress during the holidays)? Find our full line of folding table risers at our store.

Lift Your TableⓇ.. SAVE YOUR BACK!