How to Avoid Holiday Stress
While the holidays can be filled with cheer, they can also be filled with all types of stress. From finding and wrapping gifts to preparing and cooking a family dinner, it’s easy to become a bit frazzled during the holiday season. So, how can you make the most wonderful time of year stress-free?
Try these eight tips for avoiding holiday stress:
- Smell Some Citrus
While cinnamon and peppermint may be everywhere this season, citrus is the better holiday stress reliever. Studies show that citrus scents can lower your stress levels and give a boost to your mood and self-esteem.
- Create a Routine
When the winter festivities begin, it’s easy for holiday activities and events to throw off your routine. This season, lower your holiday stress by sticking to your routine as much as possible, whether it’s working out every Wednesday or making a meal at home on Sundays. Then try to add in holiday activities where possible, such as meeting up with visiting family.
- Get Some Exercise
Exercise is another excellent reliever for holiday stress. It’s terrific for giving your mood a boost, as well as increasing your energy levels. And the best part is, you don’t have to hit the gym. You might consider walking around your neighborhood to see some holiday lights or taking on family and friends for a round of indoor laser tag.
- Embrace More Laughter
One of the best tips for holiday stress relief is laughing more. If you have a favorite comedy show or funny Christmas movie, enjoy it with friends or family. With some laughter in your schedule, you’ll lower those rising stress levels.
- Treat Yourself
A time-tested holiday stress reliever is treating yourself. Give yourself a gift, whether by reading a good book, hitting the arcade, visiting a local spa or purchasing that brand-new video game you’ve been eyeing. With some “me time,” you’ll take your holiday stress down a notch.
- Stick to Non-Sweets
Treats, stress and the holidays often go hand-in-hand. While its ok to have a few sweets here and there, having a lot or eating them in place of regular meals can leave you experiencing sugar crashes and low energy. That doesn’t help with your stress levels, especially if you’re overseeing this year’s family gathering.
- Change the Pace
A lot of times, holiday stress comes from seeing what everyone else is doing. Whether they’re decorating or planning for the holidays, it can make you feel like you’ve fallen behind and push you to move at breakneck speeds to wrap presents, set up lights and decorate a tree — and what fun is that? Go at your own pace and don’t worry about what everyone else is up to.
- Host a Game Night
If you’re looking to laugh and get your heart pumping, consider setting up a game night for you, some friends and family. And to take off the stress of planning the event, go out for the evening. You can play arcade games or cruise around in go-karts, for instance, without worrying about setting up a game table or making a meal.
Melt Away Your Holiday Stress at Carlisle Sports Emporium
Ready to say goodbye to your holiday stress and hello to holiday cheer? At Carlisle Sports Emporium, we’re your stress-free gaming oasis! With our 20,000 square-foot arcade, as well as exciting go-kart tracks, themed mini golf, laser tag arena and roller skating rink, we are “The Place to Play.”
Visit us today or contact us to learn more about throwing a memorable family or work celebration for the holidays.