Ways to ease anxiety during the busy holiday season
This post is sponsored by Rescue and includes a fun giveaway opportunity from me to you.
As you guys know, I’ve struggled with anxiety on and off throughout my life. I’m an anxious person by nature (it comes with the Type A territory) and usually find myself two steps ahead, wondering about “what’s next?”
Over time, I’ve also learned ways to manage my anxiety so it doesn’t get the best of me during stressful times. The holiday seasons are busy enough, but add in a move (and then another move) with two small children and two dogs, and it could be a recipe for stress-stravaganza. By putting the pieces in place to make sure I take care of my mental health, I’m able to enjoy the present moment and all of the beautiful events so much more.
Here are some of the ways I manage anxiety and stress during the holidays:
1. Meditate, even if it’s just for 5 minutes. Meditation changed my life. For so long, I tried to meditate, but wasn’t quite sure what I was doing. My brain would go crazy talking to itself and I’d give up. Finally, I learned HOW to meditate. All of my tips are in this post! Find a quiet spot that’s just for meditation, set a timer, and find a comfortable seated position. Close your eyes, and pay attention to your breath, focusing on deep inhales, and long cleansing exhales. Having a mantra helps me immensely, and helps me to push out the to-do lists and “what-ifs” that might pass by. The secret to meditation is not blocking your thoughts. It’s accepting them, letting them go, and bringing awareness back to your breath.
2. Practice yoga. I notice a huge decrease in anxiety levels when I make yoga a part of my life. It forces me to breathe and focus on the right now, instead of being two steps ahead in the future. Even though my fitness schedule is pretty full, and I can tell yoga has been lacking and am determined to bring it back into my life.
3. Keep moving. I find that I get the most stressed when I’m still. Moving around often throughout the days makes me feel good and is a great way to get out some anxiety.
Even if I take a break from work to walk the dogs or do a quick Fitness Marshall dance on YouTube, it’s always worth it.
4. Make a plan. This one is HUGE. If I have a plan, my mind doesn’t feel like it needs to wander, constantly keeping check of the priority checklist. I make my list, check things off as I go, and have non-negotiables for each day that must be done. Everything else can be pushed back if it needs to be.
5. Treat yourself. Make sure that you have something to look forward to that you enjoy each day. It’s so easy to get caught up in the chores and necessary tasks, that you can look back on the day and be like, “Whoa. I didn’t do anything fun.” I’m not talking about dropping everything to lounge at the beach (even though, let’s be real, that sounds AMAZING) but little things: a great workout, a cup of coffee with a friend, time to read a book that sucks you in, a dance party with the kiddos.
6. Talk to someone. If you find that your anxiety is overwhelming you, or just want an outsider to listen to you and determine reasonable solutions, I’m a huge advocate of talk therapy. Find a therapist nearby to talk to you; I don’t think you’ll regret it.
7. Find things that help you to feel calm and centered, and embrace them. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, sunshine, water, nutrition, and exercise.
Sometimes you get into stressful situations, and there’s nothing you can do about it. Find a strategy that works for you to bring you back down to earth, and keep the stress from taking over. I was so thankful when my acupuncturist recommended the Rescue Remedy products. It was when P was very little and we were both dealing with medical issues, and I spent an entire acupuncture session crying. I told him my anxiety was really affecting me. He knew I was already talking to a therapist, and suggested the Rescue Remedy products as a way to calm myself down when I started to feel really antsy or stressed. Thankfully, they had a huge selection at Sprouts and I was able to pick up a bottle that day. Since then, I’ve carried it with me in my purse and use it when I’m feeling particularly stressed or anxious.
I love Rescue Remedy because it’s a great “in the moment” product. The second I start to feel anxiety, I spritz a little into my mouth, take a few deep breaths, and BOOM: more calm and centered. Of course, talk with your doc before adding anything new into your routine. These remedies were developed by a doctor 80 years ago, and are non-habit forming.
Rescue has a ton of products available (even a line for pets!) and they’re made with flower remedies.
Here are the ingredients:
5x (HPUS) dilution
Star of Bethlehem – Orithogalum umbellatum (for comfort and reassurance)
Rock Rose – Helianthemum (for confidence and composure)
Cherry Plum – Prunus cerasifera (for self control and stability)
Impatiens – Impatiens gladulifera (for patience and tolerance)
Clematis – Clematis vitalba (for focus and motivation)
27% Grape Based Brandy or Sunflower Based Glycerin as preservative (<— since it contains alcohol, keep out of the reach of kiddos)
And now, it’s giveaway time!
A lucky reader will win some of the things that help me feel calm and centered during this busy season:
-An Erin Condren planner of their choice
-A bottle of Rescue Remedy spray or drops
-A cheeky sleep mask
Enter via the widget below and I’ll pick the winner this Thursday night at midnight and announce in Friday Faves.
xoxo
Gina
My friends at Rescue sponsored this post, and I chose to personally sponsor the above giveaway. Thank you so much for your support regarding the sponsored posts that help support our family. Thank you so much for being here.
You might also like:
Post Navigation:
Crunchy almond butter truffles → ← Fun things to do with kids (+ family-friendly restaurants) in San Diego287 Comments
Leave a Comment
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Cooking and baking are great stress relievers…(when my 1-year old will allow it!)!!!
I also follow on insta!
Exercise!!
Yoga 🙂
Long walks help me destress and meditation with the Headspace app!
i #stressless by enjoying nights on the couch with my fiancé, drinks/games with close friends, and enjoying each and every little holiday things (xmas lights, starbucks holiday flavours, xmas music :))
Getting lost in a book and working out!
Plan ahead and make sure everything is on the schedule. I also don’t feel bad for having one night to send everyone else out of the house so I can have that time to myself and do whatever I want.
I make a plan every morning to make sure I get everything done for the day!
I follow on insta!
I read. I just joined a book club and having new books to read and contemplate helps me to relax and destress.
Take a nap while watching a Hallmark Christmas Movie!
Exercise is a sure bet to stress less in my life!
I follow on Instagram!
OMG I NEED this! I have been having the worst anxiety, with tons of panic attacks recently. It’s so hard to deal with, but I refuse to let it rule me. Deep breathing and exercise help some, but I need something to help more (and I really don’t want to use medication).
I make sure to stick (to the most part) to my normal workout routine. Being active is my best de-stressor!
I make color coded lists!
I make sure to run regularly!
I stress less by sticking to my workout routine, which is do-able when you teach three (yoga) classes a week and your time at the gym is just about your only time away from your kids. 🙂 Otherwise, I stress less by trying to have fun and embrace traditions. If you remember to put the joy into the season, it’s less stressful.
I follow on Instagram, too.
I stress less by focusing on what’s important, and letting the little stuff go.
Love this giveaway – it is so thoughtful and practical! <3
I #stressless when I take the time to exercise! With all of the time commitments of the holidays it is a challenge but so necessary to stay sane!
I follow on insta too! xo
I go running! An early morning run is my endorphin therapy to manage anxiety and stress.
By slowing down, and savoring the moment.
When not pregnant, excercise! Since I am considered high risk I have a lot of restrictions…meditation has saved my sanity!
I also follow on Instagram 🙂
Great giveaway!
I keep up with crossfit!
I’m folllwing you on IG!
Omg this is perfect and can’t wait to try it! I recently have been looking for new ways to get my anxiety under control and this looks great!
On insta, too!
snowshoeeing
spend time with famjam
Acupuncture once a month is a lifesaver 🙂