Holiday Bustle and New Year’s Resolutions: Five Ways to De-stress

The countdown is on! With less than a month until the new year, the pressure is mounting. The holidays often feel like a race, where time seems abundant until mere weeks remain. But don't worry, we believe in you! Here are some strategies to de-stress during the holidays, helping you stay focused on your New Year's resolutions.

Remember that Worrying Doesn’t Help

It can be challenging to stop worrying, but has worrying ever actually improved a situation? Likely not. Remember this when negative thoughts begin to intrude, and do your best to release them.

Negative thinking can trigger a stress response in your body, initiating an unhealthy chain reaction. Maintaining an optimistic outlook will allow you to think more clearly and overcome challenges more effectively. When stress or worry arises, practice deep breathing exercises, take a break, or engage in relaxing activities such as listening to music, reading a book, or taking a walk. Additionally, consider stress-reducing supplements like Magnesium Taurate or 5-HTP.

Keep Your Immune System Healthy

During the holiday season and the cold winter months, supporting your immune system is crucial. Maintain a nutrient-rich diet, get ample sleep, and consider supplements like a Probiotic Blend for Immune Support. Also, include immune-supporting vitamins and nutrients in your diet such as Free-Form L-Lysine and Super Stress Vitamin B-Complex with Vitamin C.

To remain healthy amid the hustle and bustle, avoid sacrificing your sleep routine and healthy habits. Rest well, consume plenty of herbal tea, and stay hydrated to enhance your chances of staying healthy during the holidays.

Go Easy on Yourself

The holidays, with their dinners, shopping, and numerous commitments, can be overwhelming. Accept that you can't do everything. Avoid the pressure to be perfect—whether it’s hosting the perfect dinner, giving the perfect gifts, or having flawless decorations. Sometimes, simplicity is key.

Allow yourself to decline requests occasionally. Focus on your well-being and don’t stress about impressing others. Consider treating yourself or even hiring a cleaning service to alleviate some pressure.

Don’t Over Spend

Financial stress is significant during the holidays. Set a realistic budget for your holiday shopping and adhere to it. Accumulating debt for lavish gifts can prolong stress and anxiety well beyond the holiday season. Remember, the value of a gift transcends its price tag. Opt for personal, thoughtful gifts that convey your care without straining your finances.

Try Some Holiday Hacks

Leverage technology to simplify holiday tasks such as shopping, sending cards, and planning parties. Numerous apps and websites can create and mail custom holiday cards directly from your home. Manage event invitations and RSVPs digitally to ease guest tracking.

Discover creative ways to reduce holiday stress. Simplify your gift-giving and enlist family members to assist with everything from chores to dinners. For more tips, check out our earlier post on Holiday Hacks for Your Health.

Evaluate Your Resolutions

If you haven’t yet considered your New Year’s resolutions, now is an opportune time. Reflect on your previous resolutions—what worked and what didn’t. If you were successful, identify the strategies that facilitated your success. If you fell short, assess whether your goals were realistic and whether you prepared adequately.

Focus on what you genuinely want to achieve, not just what you think you should. Determine what will truly make you happy, healthy, and less stressed in the coming year, and lay the groundwork for success.

During potentially stressful times like the holidays, maintaining a positive and grounded outlook is crucial. Take care of your body and mind, set realistic goals for your holiday spending and New Year’s resolutions, and use the provided tips to combat stress and start the new year on a healthier, happier note.

Share your secrets for avoiding holiday stress in the comments below. We love hearing from our readers!

You might also like 7 Delicious Stress-Busting Foods… Just in Time for the Holidays and Immune Support During the Winter Months.

About Amy Sunderman, MS, RD
Director of Science & Innovation, Registered Dietitian, BubbForest Health

Amy is a registered dietitian, nutritionist, and author with over 20 years of experience in the supplement industry. Amy is passionate about dietary supplements and the health benefits they offer. She enjoys working to find novel nutritional ingredients with strong clinical research behind them to drive innovation and provide health-promoting products to consumers.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.