The holiday season is a special time of year, but this year in particular it can also be challenging whether you'll be spending it with family or alone. That's why maintaining your balance is so important. Just because you're on break, your schedule is different, or there's eggnog around doesn't mean you need to be thrown totally off-kilter. It also doesn't mean that you need to depart from most of the regular routines that help keep you grounded.
5 Ways to Stay Balanced During the Holiday Season
The holidays are an amazing time, but if you're feeling off balance or not like yourself, you won't get to enjoy it! Here are 5 ways to maintain your balance, and none of them requires you to do anything out of the ordinary.
Go OutsideIt may be cold outside but that's why coats were created. Spending time outdoors, either in the cold winter sun or even under cloudy gray skies, is good for us. Studies have shown that it can boost energy, ease pain, enhance creativity, improve your immune system, and more. So if you're feeling overwhelmed by all the holiday fuss, go outside and take in the fresh air.
Sleep ProperlyWe all know how important it is to get a good night's sleep, though it's estimated that 1 in 3 American adults suffer from sleep deprivation. In some cases, sleep problems are caused by uncontrollable factors, like sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome and narcolepsy. In these situations, medical help is needed. Then there are other cases in which our lack of sleep is totally in our control. These are the times when we know we should be leaving the party or turning off our phones, computers or Netflix but instead we continue for another hour, or two, or three.
Since getting a proper night's sleep can help reduce stress, improve mood, fight infections, and lower blood pressure, during the holiday season it's more important than ever to exercise willpower and turn off the lights even when we don't want to. Getting enough sleep can help us fight the feelings of stress that can sometimes sneak up during the holidays.
Eat RightThe holidays are usually thought of as a time of indulgence, with big hefty meals and lots of desserts. While it can be nice to go all out with a 5-course dinner, limiting the amount of sugar and fat you use will help you feel better in the long-run. And if you think that healthy holiday cooking is impossible, check out these ideas for some nutritious options. As good as they are, holiday treats like candy canes, gingerbread cookies, and eggnog should be limited.
Do Something Nice for YourselfThe holidays are about giving, and that in itself is wonderful. But sometimes, we give so much that we feel burned out. This can throw us off balance and make the entire season feel like a never-ending marathon. If you're starting to feel this way, stop and do something for nice yourself. It can be a massage, a fancy cup of coffee, taking a day off work anything that will give you a boost and help you recharge.
Reach OutWhether you're getting overwhelmed from too much family time or feeling a bit down from the fact that you can't see your loved ones, reaching out for help is the best way to stay happy and balanced. It always helps to reach out to a friend and tell them you're having a hard time. If you're having a really hard time, you could also consider contacting a mental health professional. Feeling good and stable is the best holiday gift you can give yourself.
The Benefits of Being HealthyWhen you feel good about yourself, during the holidays and year-round, you can enjoy improved well-being and physical health. Besides the obvious benefits that come from all-around health, a side benefit is that you can get lower rates on your life insurance premiums. In general, the healthier you are, the better rates you get.
Sproutt insurance advisors are available to help determine what kind of life insurance is best for you. Simply answer a few questions and we will find the best-value plan for your lifestyle, needs and budget.