Stress is something we deal with all throughout the year, but the holidays can bring even more stress. Stress is defined by Merriam Webster as “a physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension and may be a factor in disease causation.” As you can tell by the definition stress doesn’t just impact our emotional health, it can impact our overall health leading to conditions such as depression, anxiety, obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and the list could go on and on. So managing stress during the holidays is just as important, if not more than in your everyday life. So remember to give yourself self-compassion and use the tips below to reduce your stress this holiday season and increase your Cheer.

Improve your Cheer: 

“ME” time: Schedule some “me” time every day to get your energy and mind back in focus.

Say NO: Don’t forget its okay to say no. Don’t overwhelm yourself by saying yes to every invitation.

Sleep: Make sure you are getting enough sleep. Aim for 7 to 8 hours per night.

Stay active: Be sure you are fitting in your daily fitness.

Check your Focus: Focus on what really matters family and friends, laughter, and cheer.

Practice Self-Compassion: Be sure not only give others empathy and compassion, but yourself as well. More information on Self-Compasssion.

Resources: UF/IFAS Extension Let’s Walk FL Holiday Ready, Merriam Webster, Effective Stress Management

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