How to Stay Sane During the Holidays

The holidays can be a stressful time, even for the most balanced and prepared people, so it’s important to do everything you can to avoid the headache. If you plan ahead, get a routine in place, and take some time to breathe and enjoy, you’ll be able to stay sane during the entire holiday season. This might even be the year to re-evaluate what you are buying and spending money on. Maybe it’s time to say no to the insanity of “Christmas shopping” and  move towards the moments we get to share and connect with one another. This is the spirit of love that needs to emerge.

Exercise. Exercise. Exercise.

Exercise is something you should be doing all year round, but it’s important not to give up on your routine just because it’s the holiday season. There’s less time and much more food available during the holidays, but you can indulge and still keep up your exercise schedule if you try hard enough! Just like staying healthy while you travel, exercising during the holidays is possible, and will keep you full of energy and in shape for the new year!

Meditate, Daily

As always, we’re huge proponents of meditation. Once you start this ritual, you will never want to stop because it will change your life in such a profound way. Sure, the holidays are a busy time and there are lots of things on your to do list, but even if you can just squeeze in ten minutes of meditation, you won’t regret it. It will help you centre your mind and thoughts, and remind you to take time to breathe and be grateful during the rush of the holidays.

Stock up on tea and energy-boosting smoothies

It’s easy to rely on coffee to get you through the day, especially during this time of year, but if you switch out even one of your daily cups with an herbal tea instead, you won’t feel such a crash later on. Cutting back on the caffeine will give you more energy and help you to relax and enjoy the season. There are tonnes of fun holiday flavoured brews out there as well. But, you don’t have to stick with something hot just because it’s cold outside! One of our energy-boosting smoothies is the perfect way to start off your day and make it through the holidays.

Have a date night

During the holidays it’s important to make sure you’re not neglecting the important people in your life. Schedule time to share with family and friends and make sure you slow down and enjoy yourself instead of flicking through your to do list in your head. The holidays are also a great time to schedule in a date night with your significant other, or even one for just yourself. Even if it’s a date alone with your bath tub, scented with essential oils and salts and a few candles and some soft music, that is sometimes all we need to shift into our zen mode!

Get a massage

Think ahead and know that you’re going to need some rest and recovery time during the holidays. Shopping, planning, wrapping, attending – getting everything done during the holidays can take a real toll on you and your body. Make sure to schedule in some self care. There are a lot of masseuses that will even come to your home (that makes it so easy!). Get a massage and then take the rest of the day to sit back and enjoy the season. Not only will it help your body recover from the cold, but it will help you relax and practice gratitude all season long. Our favourite place to retreat to is St. Anne’s Spa – a gorgeous spa in Grafton, Ontario where we love to get away to when we can.

Bake

Baking can be a great way to spend the day with family and friends over the holidays, or even by yourself if you’re in need of some alone time. Schedule a day to dedicate to making some tasty goodies and buy your ingredients ahead of time. That way you can wake up energized and ready in the morning, then dive right in. Turn on some holiday music or maybe a movie and spend the day ‘baking your way’ through your favourite recipes. Not only is baking meditative and fun, if you can make some treats yummy enough to give as stocking stuffers and gifts, you’re ahead of the game! We love whipping up a batch of healthy gingerbread or chocolate chip cookies to nibble on and share with friends during the season.

If you slow down and try these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to maintain your sanity during the holiday season. Forget all the things you have to get done and all the gifts you have to wrap. Instead, enjoy every moment of the season and remember what you truly have to be grateful for.

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