4 Ways to Relax this Holiday Season

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The holiday season is upon us, which means you and your friends and loved ones are likely making plans to exchange gifts, spend time together, and enjoy delicious dinners and desserts. Whether you're planning a small gathering in your home, organizing an outdoor winter activity, or connecting with your loved ones via FaceTime or Zoom, chances are you're going to need some time to relax so you can handle the busyness that comes with this time of the year.

Here are four ways to reduce your stress levels so you can look your best during the holidays.

Pamper Yourself

If you've been wanting to get a massage to soothe tired muscles or you're considering a non-surgical facelift to maintain a youthful appearance, the holiday season is a great time to indulge. When you take time to give yourself spa treatments or undergo procedures that make you feel better about yourself, you'll look forward to what the holiday season brings and you may have more confidence when you're interacting with your loved ones.

Practice Self-Care

Taking care of yourself is essential during the entire year, but particularly during the holidays. You're buying presents, making meals and desserts, decorating the house, and trying to make sure you budget properly. You have to take time to remind yourself that you matter just as much as your friends and family members. Take a few minutes each day to meditate, even if you have to wake up a little earlier than your family. Draw a bubble bath, pour a glass of your favorite wine or champagne, and read or listen to a few chapters of a book you've been meaning to catch up on. Take a walk around your block after dinner. Treat yourself to your favorite dessert or snack after you complete a challenging project for work. All of these things are part of self-care, and help to relax your mind and give you the boost of energy you need to continue taking on all the important tasks you have to complete.

Delegate Tasks

Remember that you can't do it all by yourself. If you're the one in your household who enjoys the Christmas season the most, you may feel the most obligated to make the holiday magical. While you may want the Christmas decorations to be perfect and ensure the house is clean and you might think that your family doesn't prioritize these things, you can still ask for help. After all, you still have to buy presents for your loved ones, help the kids with their school assignments before they go on Christmas break, and complete projects for work during this season. To fully enjoy the season and reduce the chances of burnout, ask your loved ones to assist you in completing the tasks that will make your holiday dinner or celebration a success. When you and your family work together to make Christmas extra special, you may find that you'll strengthen your bond and create more holiday memories.

Set Goals

It's easy to get overwhelmed during this time of year. You may feel that you have to meet everyone's expectations and make Christmas a magical time for your children and family. While these intentions are noble, you can reduce stress and take more time for relaxation when you set realistic goals. You'll also feel a sense of accomplishment when you meet your goals. For instance, if you're planning a holiday celebration with only the family in your household, you don't have to go overboard with the Christmas decorations. Choose one major decorative item like a large wreath or Christmas tree and select smaller items to complement it. Instead of planning a huge meal, ask your family what they'd like for Christmas dinner and plan a fun menu like pizza or tacos. When you set goals for this season, you'll have more time to enjoy Christmas without obsessing over making everything perfect.

Keep these suggestions in mind as the holiday season continues. Remember that this should be a time of renewed hope and positivity. If you take the time you need to relax and take in the magic of the holidays, you'll be more likely to look forward to this time of year every time it comes around.