Shannon Hernandez

It may be the most wonderful time of the year, but the hustle and bustle of the holidays can be stressful for some. In between all of the year-end wrap up at work, planning, visiting family, parties, shopping and gift wrapping, it can be easy to deprioritize your own happiness and one can forget that the greatest present you can give - is your presence.

If your holidays are starting to feel less merry and more scary, try practicing a few of these self-care techniques to put the twinkle back into your holiday season.

1. Get a little extra sleep. Nothing can turn your outlook around faster than a good night of rest. If you’re having trouble falling asleep, try this breathing technique;

• Breathe in slowly and deeply through your nose. Make sure your shoulders are down and relaxed. In this exercise, your stomach should expand, but your chest should rise very little. So, if you want, you can place one hand on your stomach and the other on your chest so you can feel how you are breathing.
• Exhale slowly through your mouth. As you blow air out, purse your lips slightly, but keep tongue and jaw relaxed. You may hear a soft “whooshing” sound as you exhale.
• Repeat this breathing exercise for several minutes. Make your outgoing breath as long and smooth as you can. The out breath is the key to relaxation so give it your full attention and practice breathing out in a long slow controlled breath.

2. Be sure you are eating well. The holidays are a time of indulgence, but over-doing it may leave you feeling lethargic, or even stressed and depressed. There’s proven science behind the notion that healthier foods help us to feel better! So yes, have the cookie, but first try filling up on healthier, nutrient-rich fare.

3. Connect. Meaningful conversation with someone we love can be the best remedy for the holiday blues. Reach out to an old friend, family member or colleague you miss - cheer one another up with a quick phone call to show you’re thinking of them!

4. We’re conditioned to care for others during the holidays, but like oxygen on an airplane, you can’t care for others unless you first care for yourself. Watch a favorite show or holiday movie, buy yourself a little gift, take a bubble bath, meditate – whatever it is that gives you joy, remember to take a little “me time.” Go ahead, treat yourself.