De-stressing during the holidays can be as simple as a little planning, taking time for yourself and remembering the reasons for the season.
“Set a budget, over spending will create major stress,” said Vaia Lappas-Gilchrist, Lake Health Wellness Institute’s certified health and wellness coach and exercise physiologist. “Decide on a budget amount and stick with it. Remember money cannot buy happiness.
“Plan ahead and start as early as possible and set aside time for specific things such as shopping, cooking, decorating and visiting family and friends,” added Gilchrist. “Make many to-do lists. No matter what the occasion, a little planning goes a long way.”
She suggested that people be realistic and know what your capabilities are and don’t aim for perfection. Try to simplify and don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed. Taking care of yourself and sticking with a healthy routine as much as possible is also important.
“Get sufficient sleep, maintain your exercise routine and keep unhealthy foods to a minimum,” Gilchrist said. “Take a short break everyday just for yourself and do something you enjoy, like reading a book, listening to music or doing some deep breathing. You can prevent unwanted weight gain and promote a healthy immune system which will help fight off the effects of stress, colds and flu.”
Lake Health Wellness Institute will kick-off an eight-week stress management program in January.
Another great way to de-stress is combining stretching, posing and breathing while getting the powerful benefits of exercise through the power of yoga.
“We are busier during the holidays,” said Alison Pignolet, owner of Yoga-Geauga in Newbury. “People need to do something to chill out. My most important tips are to breathe, to be present in the moment and to take time for yourself. And the good news is that a simple breathing practice can help do all three, and of course, coming to yoga class is even better.”
Pignolet said anyone who lives in the area can check out a class at YG for free.
“We really want to help people start yoga without stress,” She said. “We have mats and all props available for loan at the studio.
“Yoga is great de-stressor on several levels,” She added. “In all of the classes we teach at YG, we emphasize moving with the breath. This helps to integrate the body and the mind and the moment. It is incredibly refreshing.”
She offered these breathing tips:
“Simply close your eyes, breathe through your nose and turn your attention to the flow of your breath. Sometimes it helps to try to feel the breath as it crosses the nostrils. Start by counting 10 exhales. You should notice that without even trying to change your breath, it becomes slower and deeper. This helps to switch the body from ‘fight or flight’ to ‘rest and digest.'”
Allan Beil, owner of Healthy Pursuit Health Food Store in Middlefield, offered some additional tips.
One of the most important and easy things people can do is to drink plenty of water, Beil said.
“Holidays bring on a hectic time of year rushing here and rushing there along with the type of foods we will be consuming. (All of this) can cause dehydration, so drink plenty of water to keep our organs functioning properly,” Beil said, adding people should also take a good whole food multi-vitamin.
“Herbals have many benefits as well, when stressed cortisol levels rise and can cause weight gain, so Holy Basil would help with that, there is also Lemon Balm, and many more to choose from,” Beil said. “Essential oils can be very relaxing to the senses, such as Lavender and Chamomile and others. We even carry essential oil car diffusers, so when you are driving from one holiday party to the next or when shopping, you can keep cool, calm and relaxed.”
Or take a break from shopping and indulge in the benefits of massage therapy.
“We offer a variety of massage and bodywork services to help our clientele de-stress,” said Debbie Craven, co-owner of Relaxation Station in Chardon. “They can choose massage, reflexology, reiki, Jin Shin Jyutsu, and aromatherapy, craniosacral therapy or a combination.”
Craven offered some other tips: exercise, meditation — formal or informal practices that use repetitive activities that help you focus attention in the moment such as walking, swimming, even hobbies like knitting.
“Imagery — picture yourself relaxed in your favorite surroundings, be mindful of the present and stay in the moment rather than anticipating the future. Show some love — hug a loved one or snuggle a pet, listen to relaxing music, take a time out from the hustle and bustle, engage your mind in positive thinking, try rocking in that rocking chair, get your news early in the day so that it doesn’t interfere with restful sleep, and smile.”
To ease seasonal affective disorder symptoms, spend time outdoors or near a window on sunny days.
Geauga County Park District’s Chief Naturalist John Kolar understands the many positives of spending time with nature.
“Obviously getting outdoors can be a great way to de-stress over the holidays,” Kolar said. “To begin, people can dramatically increase the chances that they will enjoy being outside by dressing appropriately — hat, gloves and layers, layers, layers. Too often people who complain about the winter are quite often those who aren’t prepared to be outdoors.
“Then get out to one of our parks and go on a brisk hike to help burn off those holiday calories,” Kolar suggested.
Other fun activities Kolar mentioned include playing in the snow, making a snowman, having a family snowball fight, bundling up and looking at the amazing night sky in winter, going for a full moon hike, searching for animal prints in the snow, and appreciating the beauty and peace of the silence of winter.
“Sunrises and sunsets can be spectacular in winter,” He added. “These are a must see for utter relaxation and inspiration.”
Or try out a new winter activity such as cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Geauga parks will have snowshoes available to borrow for free from The West Woods Nature Center in Russell Township starting sometime in December.
Or head out to Orchard Hills Park or Beartown Lakes Reservation to sled ride with the family.
Gilchrist concluded that de-stressing during the holidays comes down to keeping a positive frame of mind as well.
“Think positively,” Gilchrist said. “Worrying about what other people think about the party you planned or the gift you gave them is unnecessary. Try to redirect your thoughts to positive ones which will help reduce anxiety and make you feel more at ease. Try to remember the true meaning of the holiday season, which can help you reduce your stress.”