Have you been feeling overwhelmed this holiday season? The holidays are an exciting time but we all know how stressful they can be. Here at Release Well Being Center, we are all about making time for self-care and that is even more important during the holiday season! We asked some of the Release team for their go-to wellness strategies during the holiday season and this is what we gathered.

Linda Townsend, the Release founder, said that she believes it is incredibly important to make time for meditation. It is easy to get caught up in having so much to do, but even a few minutes here and there will help reduce stress levels and get the sleep you need to keep going! Linda also believes it is important to savor family time but remember that not everything will be perfect or work out exactly how you planned it. That’s okay! Enjoy the time together as best you can – warts and all. You are making memories and they are precious even with the bumps. 

Christi, the Director of Sales and Programming, said it was important to stay hydrated. It’s easy to forget water when you’re celebrating the holidays with your family and there are so many different foods and drinks available. Just don’t forget to prioritize water! She also thinks it’s important to stay on schedule. It’s easy to get caught up in many activities throughout the day especially when you have a lot going on. It’s vital to remain on schedule. It will keep your stress low by giving you a sense of control during a busy, and at times a chaotic season. Don’t forget to schedule days of rest! Having a well-deserved lazy day at home to watch holiday movies and drink hot cocoa is still festive!

Rebecca, the HR manager believes it’s important to follow your self-care routine, even if you need to modify it! Following your routine is important to feel a sense of normalcy throughout the stressful season. If you don’t have time for a full-hour workout, maybe consider modifying it to 20 minutes. It’s important to move your body at least once a day and helps with stress too. Don’t forget, a shopping trip can be considered a workout if you walk a few miles around the mall! Making time for yourself is important so that you can continue feeling good not only for yourself but for everyone around you. She also said, “Don’t be a Clark Griswald!” Don’t expect everything to be perfect. Similar to what Linda said, don’t get caught up in trying to make everything perfect and realize once the holidays are over you didn’t really get to enjoy any of it.

Marianne, one of our Yoga instructors, suggests adding spices to your meals. Holiday spices are not only delicious, but they also boost immunity and fight inflammation, so try recipes that include ginger, cinnamon, cloves, rosemary, and turmeric! You could consider even adding them to dishes you already make. It’s important to have food that makes you feel good during the season to keep you energized and ready to go.

I’m Madison, the Release Marketing Specialist, and my tips for wellness during the holiday season are simple. Enjoy the little things and be present. Enjoying the little things is important no matter what. It could be as simple as a nap after a big holiday meal, opening gifts with family and friends, snow falling, seeing all of the holiday decorations on a drive home, or baking cookies. It’s important to take note of these things and appreciate them from time to time. Especially if you find yourself stressed out, just look around you and find the little things. It’s also important to be present. Most holiday seasons are a time to see family you might not see very often. Don’t forget to put your phone down and be fully present with each member of your family and friends. Give the people around you during the season your undivided attention. 

You can’t make the stress of the holidays magically disappear but there are numerous ways you can incorporate wellness to hopefully make it more manageable. Keep it all in perspective, enjoy the little things, stay hydrated, and don’t forget to meditate!