Don’t Stress. Do Your Best!

  • December 12th, 2022
  • By Pathway Caring for Children

12 Tips to keep you going this Holiday Season!

  1. Have you laughed yet today?! Did you know laughter soothes and releases tension? Laughter can also stimulate circulation and aid muscle relaxation to reduce feelings of stress.
  2. Journal your thoughts! This is a release of your thoughts and emotions. Journaling can help you track progress, find inspiration, and reduce negative emotions by simply putting thoughts on paper and out of your head.
  3. Remember to practice gratitude this season. Evidence suggests that gratitude is linked to happiness and more satisfaction with life. Also remember, showing gratitude can have a lasting impact on someone who needs support, especially during the holiday season.
  4. Go take a walk! Walking is great for your emotional well-being; you can take a walk anytime and anywhere. Walking helps boost your mood because it increases blood flow and blood circulation to the brain and body.
  5. Ask for help. We all deal with stress and can become overwhelmed. Remember you are not alone. Delegate tasks so they become smaller and more manageable. You can also speak to a mental health provider or a trusted friend. Reach out when you need help or support. There is no manual for how you must deal with stress.
  6. Eat your favorite food. Don’t stress over any holiday weight gain- allow yourself to enjoy the treats. This also can be something to look forward to as a reward for completing a task and boosting your productivity.
  7. Get some sleep! Prioritize your sleep routine. Sleep is vitally important to everyone’s physical, emotional, and mental health. When there is a lack of rest we feel tired all day, get upset easily, and cannot focus. 
  8. Exercise. Get moving and release some mood-boosting endorphins! Just 30 minutes a day can help.
  9. Listen to some music. Studies have shown that listening to nostalgic holiday music triggers the emotional portion of the brain that brings back memories from childhood and happy times. So, crank up the sounds of the season!
  10. Breathe. Try a box breathing technique to return to a calm state. This slows your mind and increases concentration.
  11. Take a break! Or 5 throughout the day! This will help improve productivity and regain focus.
  12. Connect with someone. We are social beings. Good relationships are vitally important to both our physical and mental health