Woman wearing Santa hat destressing

Tips to Keep Your Holidays Merry

Everyone knows the feeling of the holiday rush — so much to do, and so little time. By staying organized, healthy and positive this holiday season, you can beat burnout and reduce stress. Here are some tips for taking it easy to bring more enjoyment to the season.

Stay Organized

It can be difficult to avoid scrambling during the holidays — especially for the 31% of Americans who describe the holidays as “frantic.” Whether it’s more duties at work or simply trying to coordinate the schedules of multiple friends and family, it’s natural to feel like you’re juggling more than you can handle. One way to reduce stress and regain control is to bring order to the chaos of the holidays.

If you’re in charge of bringing food to a gathering, plan ahead to give yourself a head start on cooking. The day before you plan to cook, review your recipes to assure you have the necessary ingredients. Set them out in a dedicated space in your kitchen, and do as much preparatory work as you can. Smooth sailing in the kitchen means less stress on the day of the big event.

Stay Healthy

With all those cookies around the home and office, it’s no wonder 74% of people say they rely on unhealthy holiday snacks to get through the day. The holiday season may feel like a two-month-long cheat period from healthy eating, but rest assured there are plenty of ways to stay in good health. Despite the cold weather, you can easily work physical activity into your holiday routine. Plan an indoor workout while the family is in town, or take a stroll together when weather permits.

Here’s a tip for managing your portion sizes during holiday meals. Before you put something on your plate, ask yourself: do I really have a desire to eat this right now? Being mindful about what you’re putting on your plate can cut a considerable amount of unnecessary calories out of your dinner. That’s not to say you can’t enjoy that slice of pumpkin pie — there’s always leftovers!

Stay Positive

Even the best-laid plans can go awry, and it can be hard not to feel discouraged or upset if your holidays don’t go quite as you’d expected. Even if the day didn’t go as planned, try to stay positive about the big picture. You were likely able to spend quality time with loved ones, and that’s what you’ll remember in the years to come.

You also may be missing a key component of a successful holiday: your own enjoyment! Did you participate in a tradition that you’ve always enjoyed? Maybe you got to eat a special dish that you look forward to every year, or you were able to sneak in a nap bundled up in a cozy blanket. Give yourself the gift of personal satisfaction and your holidays are sure to be merry!

Looking for more ways to remain relaxed this holiday season? Try calming down with a warm beverage.