Counting down until the end of any year can cause panic and stress in the strongest of us, but add in the year that was 2020 and well…. you get our drift. Sharing her top tips on how we can all find ways to de-stress around the holidays is Indy Carr, co-founder of Sleep Heavy – New Zealand’s premium weighted blankets.
Honestly, the holiday season for Kiwis can be glorious: the sun is shining, we’re surrounded by our friends and loved ones, everything feels that much sweeter. Since it’s also summertime, our moods lift as high as the star on the very tip-top of our Christmas trees.
Unfortunately, for a lot of us, there is another element to the holiday season that involves anxiety and stress: looming end of year deadlines, a bank account that needs balancing while you try to find a way to pay for presents and other last minute stressors we don’t have to list here, because who needs to see ‘em?
How to properly relax and de-stress during the Christmas holidays
- Having a cup of herbal tea, listening to a relaxing playlist and snuggling under a weighted blanket on the couch is my go-to when I get a spare ten minutes and can’t get my head to stop going. There is nothing better at the end of a stressful week than to make time for yourself – and be selfish about it. This is the playlist I’ve been listening to lately.
2. Taking a little time out for yourself each day and allowing yourself to have a break is necessary. I recommend trying a 10-15 minute meditation to stay sane – in fact, I do this at lunchtime to break up the day and I go into my afternoon with more clarity. It’s brilliant because you can do this anytime of day and anywhere, although I always try to find a chair or a cushion. It’s really important to take big, deep breaths, getting your body out of the ‘fight or flight’ mode, to help ease stress and feel more relaxed.
3. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. This is a big one for me as I don’t know how I’d get through each day without moving my body! I feel energised, happy and healthy when I exercise. Try a walk (with a dog if you have one) in an area that you love, go for a run or a bike ride, or even try a group class at the gym. Exercise is a great way to decrease stress levels and release endorphins which help to improve our mood.
4. Make sure you are eating a healthy balanced diet. Planning and preparing your meals each week is a great way to ensure you eat right and don’t run out of time as this may lead to one too many take out or brought meals, which are not always the healthiest option. As a vegan, I have met with a nutritionist to make sure I’m getting all the right nutrients my body needs. I also do a weekly plan to make sure my meals are all covered for the week. This planning comes in handy around the holidays – I don’t have to think about food all too hard and can just be in the moment with my family and friends. I also enjoy the odd sweet treat and think this is okay if limited.
5. Getting a good quality sleep is key! This is EXTREMELY important because a good sleep sets you up for the day and improves your mood, health, reduces stress and gives you clarity. I personally think quality over quantity is best, so I try to get 8 hours of sleep each night. However, you may need more or less depending on your own needs. I’d suggest having a great bedtime routine for winding down at the end of the day. My favourite way to wind down before bed is to eliminate technology, listen to a sleep story and pop a couple drops of lavender oil on my pillow. I also love having a diffuser in the room dispersing essential oils into the air for a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. And, of course, I sleep with my weighted blanket which helps me have a deep and restful sleep through the night. It’s just a bliss getting into bed and falling asleep quickly.