If decking the halls has left you feeling like you just might deck the next person that speaks to you, you’re not alone. Holiday burnout is a real thing, and new studies have shown that more than one in three Americans suffer from it during the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. The effort of trying to fit holiday plans into an already hectic schedule can leave you feeling stressed, anxious, and as tired as an old pair of shoes. With the new year upon us, it is time to push the restart button on our lives and grant ourselves the gift of recovery. Here are a few tips to help you face the new year on a better note:
1. Make time for yourself.
After weeks of putting yourself on the back burner in order to get the shopping-wrapping-making-baking done, why not spend some time treating yourself to something special: read a good book, relax in a warm bubble bath, dabble in paints, treat yourself to a manicure or a massage, pamper yourself with aromatherapy. And while you’re at it, take a break from social media and turn off your phone. Comparing others’ perceived representations of their “perfect” holiday to the reality of your hectic one does nothing to improve your well-being.
2. Find your momentum again.
If all of your good habits have taken a walk on the wild side for the last few weeks, bring them back under control with some good old-fashioned exercise. I get it: the last thing you feel like doing when you are already tired is physical activity. Exercise is a form of stress on the body, after all, but paradoxically, it is a great reliever of emotional stress as well. Consistent exercise will boost your energy levels, sharpen your focus and decrease anxiety levels. So fit in a walk on your lunch break, join a gym, or download one of the myriad of workout apps now available and plan at least 15 minutes of me-time daily.
3. Improve your gut health.
Our intestines are lined with a second brain of sorts called the Enteric Nervous System. This little brain communicates closely with the big brain in our heads, and researchers are discovering that these two brains can effect each other more than previously thought. Ever had “butterflies in your stomach” when you were nervous about something? That’s the communication between your gut and your head. Your thoughts can affect your gut, and your gut can affect your brain as well. What you eat can affect your emotions, and after weeks of sugary treats, party food and too much imbibing, it should be no surprise our brains are suffering. So get back on track with healthy eating: clear out the refrigerator and cabinets of all the leftover junk food, get your daily five fruits and vegetables (joining a vegetable CSA is a great way to do this!) and be sure to drink plenty of water.
4. Remember to be thankful.
Gratitude is a tremendous energy booster! Those that practice daily gratitude report improvement in their overall health, sleep, happiness and mental ability to overcome stress. It is proven to have a positive effect on your relationships, career, emotions and self esteem, leaving you feeling optimistic and hopeful for the future. And since it is the beginning of a new year, why not start a gratitude journal? Aim to write down three to five things you are grateful for at least three times a week. Make sure to include why you are grateful. For example, instead of saying you are grateful for your spouse, write that you are grateful for your spouse’s sense of humor to cheer you up or for washing the dishes for you after a bad day. Being descriptive in your writing is an important step in reaping the benefits of thankfulness and will help you relive those moments of gratitude.
5. Spend time with friends and family without setting an agenda.
Oh, I can just see you all now, wagging your fingers and heads: uh-uh. Nope! Dealing with Uncle Joe’s unending corny jokes and putting on your best face for the boss at your company party has you feeling like you want to hibernate with the bears until spring. But hear me out on this one: spending time with the people that bring you joy is a great way to destress. Developing strong relationships is a key factor to happiness and long life. The trick is to keep it simple and forego any agenda. So snag your favorite person and go the local coffee shop for some low-key conversation or take a walk with them at your local park.
6. Get your hands in dirt.
Plant a garden, or even just one plant. There’s something about connecting with the earth in this very elemental way to help you to let go of the stressors that hold your mind hostage. It engages all of your senses and leaves your mind feeling like a freshly cleaned room. Do you live where the ground is currently frozen? No problem! Houseplants are good for your health too. They can boost your mood by adding beauty to your home while removing over 80% of airborne toxins. So buy yourself a new plant and find a pretty pot to put it in.
Above all else, remember to be kind to yourself. No one is immune to occasionally falling short of our goals and best intentions. Our greatest wish here at Sunnylea is that you will start this year off on the right path that leads to a journey through days filled with happiness and contentment. Happy New Year to you all!
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