The holidays are supposed to be fun right? Well, if you’re like most people, the holidays can be full of stress and difficult emotions. So here are 8 ways to handle holiday stress and blues in Sacramento, CA.
Holiday stress relief can come in many different forms and taking the time out of your day to focus on healthy, positive coping mechanisms and distractions can help limit holiday season stress.
1 — Events
Going to new events and new places can help bring you out of all of the stress you’re experiencing (check out this recent post on Sacramento area holiday events). Plan rejuvenating and relaxing events. Build into your schedule things to do that will get you into the spirit and help relax you at the same time. Go see the ballet, theatre, or take one of the many classical holiday music concerts that Sacramento has to offer.
2 — Holiday Music
At home or at work, try playing soothing holiday music that reminds you of your favorite holiday memories. Holiday music can also help give you a new frame of reference, which often helps with things like seasonal depression.
3 — Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is an easy addition to your day. Buy new candles or get an essential oil diffuser. Breathe in peace, breathe out stress.
4 — Time to Connect
Plan times to be with your favorite people, your friends, and your family. Taking the time to connect, particularly in person, can restore your sense of peace and happiness even if momentarily.
5 — Exercise and Movement
We can get rather sedentary this time of year. And for sure it is a time to rest and recoup. But also remember that when we move our bodies, we feel better. And the good news is you don’t have to move a lot. Sure, if you regularly exercise, keep up your routine over the holidays. But even a short, brisk walk around the block, or a quick hike after a large meal, can really help.
6 — Volunteer
At times we can get stuck in our head and stuck in our own reality without an awareness of what is going on around us. Helping out those who are less fortunate or who simply need extra help can restore a sense of purpose in our lives.
7 — Meditate
Meditation for as little as ten to twenty minutes per day can help bring a sense of calm and inner peace to our lives. It can help remove anger, attract positivity, and restore balance. You can use apps like HeadSpace, or visit one of the many mediation centers in the area.
8 — Prioritize Sleep
Without sleep, we suffer. Try to get a minimum of seven and a half hours of sleep each night to hit the five REM cycles we need to function our best. Here is a recent blog post on anxiety and sleep that might be helpful.
At California Integrative Therapy, we know that this time of year can be hard for many of us. Depression, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, are quite common. These tips can help, but sometimes we need extra support. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our talented therapists at California Integrative Therapy. We’re here to help.