7 Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday

1. Welcome the chaos. 

Accept that you will experience stress- and don’t worry about it too much. Sure, long-term stress is unhealthy, but occasionally feeling overwhelmed isn’t the end of the world. Don’t let the idea of stress become the cause.  

2. Be flexible. 

With travel, parties, and holiday guests, there’s a good chance your regular routine of exercise and healthy eating will be put to the test. Do the best you can to maintain your routine, and don’t let a few days of indulgence open the door to full-on gluttony… you’ll only feel worse, and it will be a lot harder to get back on track. When it comes to daily exercise and healthy food, the bare minimum is a lot better than nothing.

3. Embrace what you love about the holidays, and forget the rest.

If you love eggnog, have a glass or two when the mood strikes. But if you don’t care about gingerbread cookies, don’t just eat them because they’re there. Same goes for your schedule. Make conscious decisions about the foods, traditions, and invitations that truly bring you joy, and say, ‘no thank-you’ to those that don’t.

4. Get Outside.

Exercise produces the same chemical reaction in your brain as an anti-depressant. Nature has similar effects- so combining the two is even better. It’s really the best way to stay mentally and physically at the top of your game any time of year, but is especially important over the holidays. Before the snow piles up is a great time for hiking, trail running or even a bundled-up evening walk. When trails are packed, it is hard to choose which fun activity to do - skiing, fat biking, snowshoeing and sledding just to name a few. So get outside and move!

5. Unplug.

Maybe you can’t do a month at a backcountry hut, but scheduling a night or two of down time is a great way to recharge. Whether spending the weekend in the woods, or just relaxing at home, keep it easy- focus on quiet reflection, long nature walks, and screen-free time with your favorite people.  

6. Invest in Adventure.

Spend less effort (and money) on things, and share experiences instead. A multi-generational outing will be remembered for years, but things will always turn into clutter, which inevitably becomes trash. Forget the stuff- share a new adventure instead.

7. Create reasonable expectations.

It can be a lot of fun to come up with a Pinterest-worthy Thanksgiving table, but know when to take it easy. What starts as ‘festive holiday planning’ can start feeling like a chore before you know it. Stay aware of your stress levels, and know that perfecting that cranberry-pomegranate glaze is really not worth your sanity.