With Thanksgiving and the festive season just around the corner, (yippee!) we know that the year-end rush can come with endless to-do lists, year-end parties, and last-minute deadlines that all need to be met before the holidays start.
When every aspect of modern life and the year-end rush seems to be conspiring to wind you up and steal your sleep, your sanity and your peace of mind, we discuss how you can help yourself feel calmer and more grounded.
Why it’s important to stay calm
While it’s certainly a challenge to keep your stress levels in check towards the end of the year, it’s really important to try because too much relentless stress means raised levels of cortisol, the “stress hormone”. Research has shown that high cortisol levels have a mass of negative effects on your health, ranging from weakening your immune system and interfering with your thyroid and control of blood sugar levels to raising your blood pressure.
In the lead-up to the festive season, it’s a good idea to be mindful of how you’re feeling every day – and to take a moment or two to gather your thoughts and ground yourself. Those to-do lists can wait!
Tips to help you find balance
1 Meditate for a few minutes a day
Using meditation to prioritize your mental well-being during busy times can be highly beneficial as it allows you to be present and quieten the noise around you, rather than stressing about the past or future. Follow these steps for a simple meditation you can do anytime:
- Choose a calm and peaceful environment where you can relax without distractions. It could be a separate room, a cozy corner, or even a park.
- Set a time for a few minutes of meditation. Early mornings or evenings often provide a more serene setting. Aim for at least 10-15 minutes, but feel free to extend if you have the time.
- Then, sit in a relaxed and comfortable position, either on a cushion or a chair, keeping your back straight. You can also lie down if that's more comfortable for you.
- Close your eyes and bring your attention to your breath. Observe the sensation of inhaling and exhaling. Take deep, slow breaths, and try to make each breath deliberate.
- Bring awareness to your body, by scanning it from head to toe, paying attention to any physical sensations or areas of tension. Allow your body to relax and release any stress or tightness.
- As you meditate, thoughts may arise. Rather than getting caught up in them, simply acknowledge them without judgment and let them go. Redirect your focus back to your breath.
To help you stay in the moment, notice the sounds around you, the sensations in your body, or the emotions you may be experiencing. Try to focus on the present moment without getting carried away by thoughts of the future or past. Remember, meditation is a practice, so be patient and allow yourself to gradually build a routine. Regular practice can help you develop resilience, improve focus and reduce stress.
2 Stick to healthy habits
In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to forget your own needs along the way. But if you want to get to the holidays in one piece and enjoy the festive season, try to maintain a few key healthy habits to ensure you maintain your well-being and enjoy the celebrations to the fullest.
- Set daily intentions (big or small): As you wake up, rather than reaching for your phone, take a minute to set personal intentions for your day ahead. Visualize your desired outcomes and approach your tasks and responsibilities with clarity and focus.
- Prioritise self-care: Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. This can include activities such as exercise (even a 20-minute walk is beneficial), eating nourishing meals (and taking your supplements/nutraceuticals), getting enough sleep, and engaging in hobbies or activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
- Create boundaries: Learning to say no to activities or commitments that don't align with your priorities or values is a vital skill as it protects your time and energy – especially in the year-end rush when social calendars are packed to the max. Practice setting limits on work, social media, or any other distractions that can drain your mental and emotional energy.
- Practice gratitude: Cultivate an attitude of gratitude by regularly expressing appreciation for the positive aspects of your life. This can be done through journaling, taking a moment each day to reflect on what you are grateful for, or even expressing gratitude to others directly. This habit can help shift your focus from negativity to positivity and promote a sense of peace and contentment.
ALSO SEE: 4 reasons why gratitude is so good for you
- Maintain a balanced schedule: As you’re headed into the silly season, it’s more important than ever to strike a balance between work, your personal life, and leisure activities. Schedule time for work, relaxation/hobbies, and activities that simply make you happy. Creating a well-rounded schedule ensures that you're not neglecting any important aspect of your life and promotes a sense of balance and peace – no matter how long your to-do list is! It’s all about balance at the end of the day.
3 Spend time with your tribe
Why wait for the holidays to spend time with loved ones when you can reap the benefits of social interactions now?
Many studies have found that having a strong support system and social network including friends, family, or a partner, can significantly boost both your mental and physical well-being. It helps reduce stress, lift your mood, encourage healthy habits, and discourage harmful ones.
Social connections also have a positive impact on your heart health, recovery from illnesses, and almost everything in between. Plus, adding a social element to healthy activities, like exercising with friends, can supercharge the benefits and help you stick to them for longer.
4 Prioritise your beauty wellness goals
Taking care of yourself during the holidays is vital, especially when things get busy and there’s an array of sugary, fatty foods and drinks on hand. Stocking up on your favorite products, like Tululla's radiant hair VITAMINS for strong and shiny hair, Tululla's ageless skin VITAMINS for added sun protection, and Tululla's beauty infused COLLAGEN for gut health, strong nails and hair, and plump, hydrated skin in the cold winter months, is a smart move.
The festive season can get pretty hectic, and it's easy to forget your self-care routine. However, by having these essentials on hand, you not only prioritize your health but also ensure you stay committed to your wellness goals. It's all about maintaining balance and well-being throughout the holiday season.
So, stock up on your essentials now – and tick that off your list!
ALSO SEE: 5 tips for a healthy Thanksgiving
