December 27, 2021 - Life in Recovery, Relapse Prevention - 0 Comments
Do you find yourself experiencing a lot of stress during the holiday season? These days, it seems like there is so much pressure to have a perfect Christmas. Family obligations, social obligations, and financial burdens can make this time of year very stressful.
But there are ways to cope with holiday stress that don’t involve Xanax bars or other mood-altering substances. In this blog post, we’ll share some tips on how you can keep your cool during this hectic season while still getting everything done!
Take a Walk in Nature
A great way to clear your mind is to take a breath of fresh air outside. This is especially true during the holiday season when the days are short and darkness falls much earlier than it does in summer. The fresh air will help you feel rejuvenated and refreshed.
Find a nearby park or take a stroll on a hiking trail. It has been scientifically proven that just a 20-minute stroll in nature can indeed reduce your stress levels. You can even add to your relaxation by listening to calming music or meditating while breathing in nature’s beauty!
Take a Long Scented Bath or an Energizing Shower
Wash away all the stress of the day with a long, hot bath. Add some soothing aromatherapy or add a few drops of lavender oil to your bathtub to help you relax. This is one of the easiest ways to calm down and de-stress.
If you’re not in the mood for a bath, try taking an energizing shower instead. The invigorating feeling of the water can help to wake you up and get you ready for the day ahead. You can use bath products infused with eucalyptus or peppermint to help you feel alert and refreshed.
Get Plenty of Snooze Time
Being well-rested is very important especially during the holiday season. Even if your schedule is crammed with things to do, always prioritize sleep. Without proper sleep, you may find that you are more easily stressed and irritated, so it’s important to be well-rested.
Make sure you get at least 8 hours of sleep each night and always avoid screens in the hour leading up to bedtime. Not only will this help you relax but studies show that exposure to light from devices can disrupt your natural sleep rhythm.
Book Yourself a Massage
Many people think that booking a massage is a luxury that an average person cannot afford. But come to think of it, treating yourself to an occasional massage is worth it and will be much cheaper than risking your health by taking mood-altering drugs like Xanax.
Buying Xanax off the streets might seem like a quick fix for a few bucks, but the long-term effect when you get addicted will be more expensive as it can affect all aspects of your life.
Hydrate With Water
Believe it or not, drinking lots of water can help reduce stress and anxiety. That’s because when you’re dehydrated, you’re more likely to feel tired, confused, and depressed.
Aim to drink at least 9-12 cups of water a day. Keep a water bottle close so you don’t forget to drink or you can even set an alarm. When you’re feeling stress creeping in, go and have some H20!
Laugh at Imperfections
During the holidays, what can add to your stress is expecting that everything should be perfect. When something goes wrong like a dish you’re making burns or someone arrives late at a party, don’t get too upset.
Laugh it off and remember that these things happen. It’s the imperfections that make life interesting and unique. So don’t get bogged down by stressing about these things, instead, enjoy the little moments and focus on the good.
Take Things One Day at a Time
Anxiety is a beast that can quickly build and before you know it, overwhelm you. The key to beating it is by taking things one day at a time. Don’t worry about the weeks ahead or what can go wrong during the holidays that you cannot control. Instead, focus on what you can accomplish today.
One day at a time should be enough to get through the holiday season. A great way to keep your anxiety at bay is by practicing mindful meditation and deep breathing exercises.
When anxiety or stress does start to take over, take a step back, assess the situation, and try one of these techniques to calm yourself down. With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to get through the holidays without any medication!
