Schedule these stress-reducing tools into your routine
The season of joy and celebration is among us, and unfortunately, this can also mean additional stress. The demands and expectations of the holiday season can leave us feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. It is crucial to prioritize your mental and physical well-being during this time.
To help you navigate through the season, we compiled a helpful list of 5 tips to avoid holiday stress. By incorporating these tools into your routine, you can foster a sense of peace, gratitude, and joy, ensuring the holiday blues remain at bay.
Reduce holiday stress with these 5 tips
1. Practice mindful breathing:
Inhale deeply for 6-10 seconds and then exhale for the same amount of time. Breathe in energy, light, peace, relaxation and quiet. Breathe out anxiety, worry, anger, and bothersome thoughts. This simple breathing practice can act as a reset for your mental state and instill a sense of relaxation into your chaotic day.
2. Use relaxation techniques:
Meditate, practice yoga, or use guided imagery to quiet your mind and body and become more focused. Take a class or use online resources at home. Intentional relaxation can help center your focus and equip you with the resilience needed to take on stressful tasks.
3. Embrace exercise:
Burn off stress and anxiety with the empowering tool of exercise. Even a 30-minute walk can improve your mood. By prioritizing physical activity, you can equip yourself to tackle the season’s demands and enhance your overall well-being.
4. Prioritize sleep:
Awake refreshed by getting six to eight hours of sleep each night. Exercise not only contributes to stress reduction but also helps you sleep better at night. As does turning off electronic devices in the evening, and instead opting to listen to relaxing music to wind down.
5. Eat and drink consciously:
Begin the New Year feeling healthier and more grateful by eating and drinking sensibly during the holidays. Balance tempting indulgences with healthy options to ensure your body is well nourished.
Caregiving during the holidays
Something often overlooked during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is caregiver stress and burnout. For those who are responsible for caring for a loved one, the additional demands of the holiday season can seem unmanageable. Embracing the tips to avoid holiday stress above can be helpful to caregivers, but additional support and recognition may also be necessary.
Navigate the season with Ethos Home Health Care and Hospice
Recognizing the unique challenges caregivers face, Ethos Home Health Care and Hospice offers support. The team at Ethos is dedicated to providing the care and support needed to ensure both caregivers and loved ones experience the holidays with comfort, connection, and peace of mind. Whether your loved one is recovering from an injury, illness, or surgery, struggling to maintain independence at home, managing a chronic illness, or facing a life-limiting illness, Ethos is here to help. Take one of our free online assessments below to learn if home health care or hospice might be right for you or your loved one. For additional questions and information, please contact us or call (701)515-0696.
Meet the author
Scott Holm is the Director of Ethos Home Health Care and Hospice. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education and Exercise Science, as well as a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of North Dakota.
Scott began his professional career at Altru Health System in Grand Forks where he spent 11 years building on his knowledge. He held multiple positions such as Inpatient Physical Therapist, Supervisor of Outpatient Therapy, Lean Facilitator, and Practice Manager of Surgical Specialty Clinics. Scott joined the Ethos Home Health Care and Hospice team in October of 2022 as the Regional Clinical Manager in Grand Forks and was promoted to Director in June of 2023. Scott demonstrates excellent leadership, care, and compassion and he is passionate about serving North Dakota and Minnesota communities.
In addition to his professional career, Scott is married to his wife, Grace, and together they have 4 children. He enjoys golfing, running, and spending time at the lake with his family.
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