Michele Russ shares her tips for celebrating a healthy holiday season.

As the holidays rapidly approach and we anticipate all the joys of the season, many of us also experience an increase in our stress and anxiety levels. Extra long to-do lists, added expenses to already tight budgets, potential for family conflicts and high expectations can add up to greater pressure and overwhelm. Often, we turn to excess food and drink to help us cope with the holiday overload. (No judgment!) But I’d like to offer a few healthier choices to try this year to maintain your calm and take pleasure in the spirit of the season.

Let Go of Perfection. We’ve all been there—we want to create flawless decorations, Instagram-worthy family photos, perfect gifts for each loved one, and the Norman Rockwell family meal. No wonder we’re feeling stressed! But when I look back on my family holiday memories, it’s usually the times that things didn’t go perfectly that I remember most. The time the tree we cut down was way too big, took up half the living room, and kept falling over in its stand. Or when the dog ate ALL the Christmas cookies with colorful results on the carpet later, just as guests arrived. These stories have provided lots of laughs over the years. Think about it, perfection is boring. Take some pressure off yourself, laugh at the mishaps, and know that being together making memories is what matters.

 Practice Radical Self-Care. When we think we don’t have extra time for self-care is exactly when we need it most. The holiday season is no exception, and it doesn’t have to be a huge time commitment. When you first wake up in the morning, take a moment to breathe in a few deep breaths. With your eyes closed, visualize yourself in a beautiful place where you feel happy and calm. This will help start your day off with a positive outlook. Take small pauses throughout the day when pressure is mounting to have a hot cup of tea, take a 20 minute nap, or call your best friend; anything to create a positive shift in your day. In the evening, make time to light a scented candle, take a bath, read a book, or anything else that lends a sense of calm and self-nurturing. What else might you need to fill your cup in this hectic season?

Don't be afraid to say no. But don’t be afraid to say yes, either! Make a list of all the commitments you’re usually bound to and think about which ones you can say no to. This year is sure to be different anyway, due to the pandemic, so it’s a good time to prioritize, scale back where you can, and say yes to offers of help! Saying no to obligations that cause stress and saying yes to the things that bring you joy will help make the season more peaceful. Maybe this is the year to say yes to ordering your family meal from a favorite restaurant, unless cooking for your family is what brings you joy of course. 

Move Your Body. I’ve said this before, but even a 15-minute walk reaps huge benefits for our well-being. Get outside, clear your head, get your heart rate up a bit, and then get back to what you were doing. If you have time for more, great. You’ll feel refreshed and ready to tackle the next task. You’re likely to sleep better, too. 

Practice Gratitude. A regular gratitude practice increases our positivity and boosts our mood. Plus, it’s free and takes very little time. A few years ago, I started a gratitude practice called Three Blessings. Once or twice a day, take a moment to think of three things you are thankful for. When I began, I developed a stronger sense of gratefulness pretty quickly. Three things usually turn into five or ten things. I’d think of my three blessings while I was driving, while I was cooking dinner or walking my dogs. It may seem small, but the results can be huge. 

 Letting go of perfection, taking care of your needs, moving your body and practicing gratitude are just some of the ways we can maintain calm and reduce stress over the next few weeks. With all that said, I wish you a happy, healthy, peaceful, joyous (and sane) holiday season!!

Michele Russ MICHELE IS AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE AND SEMI PRIVATE (2-4 PEOPLE) WELLNESS COACHING AND CONSULTATION