ChickSpeak

As the holiday season comes upon us and the winter weather sets in, our lifestyles endure certain changes. In addition, thanks to finals week, holiday parties, and spending our life savings at the mall, we see our stress levels shoot up to an all-time high. Just as we approach the start of a fresh new year we grapple with the difficulties of finishing out the past year.

For some, the holiday season, the snow and frigid weather, and the various holiday-themed parties make up the best time of year. For others, this period of time is accompanied with anxieties, pressures, weight gain, and depression. In the midst of the shopping, planning, partying, baking, and entertaining (if you happen to be the party host), it can be difficult to simply find peace of mind.

How to combat these unfortunate characteristics of the cold holiday season? Following these pieces of advice may find you boasting with holiday cheer and ready to embrace the New Year. 

Warm up to the cold weather:

Braving the cold weather is not an easy feat. During the warmer months, going for a walk seems like a refreshing way to clear your mind and absorb some vitamin D from the sun’s rays. Unfortunately, once the cold weather sets in, not many people are up for enjoying the wind chills, possible hail, and icy streets.

Making sure that you are adequately dressed to tackle the low temperatures is the first and easiest step to fighting the unbearable weather. Hats, gloves, ear muffs, scarfs, etc. can all protect the most sensitive areas of the body. This is also the time when hot teas, chocolates, and, of course coffees, becomes the most valuable beverages we could possibly consume. These warm treats don’t just heat up our bodies, but they also can act as a stress reliever for built up tension in our bodies.

Make sure you’re getting enough sleep:

Sleep keeps your immune system in top notch condition. Especially with the Swine Flu affecting more people each day, getting enough shut-eye at night can ensure that, regardless of any illness that comes your way, your body is in the best condition possible to fight any sickness. Having difficulty falling asleep? Minimize your intake of alcoholic beverages and refined sugars.

According to Joyce Walsleben, Ph.D., author of A Woman’s Guide to Sleep, your body cannot fall into a proper sleep until it’s metabolized the sugar and alcohol in your system. Considering the holiday parties may involve sweet treats and non-virgin beverages, make sure to hold-off for at least the last three hours prior to your bedtime.

Do not neglect exercise:

You may find yourself busier during the holiday season than during any other time of year. Trying to balance spending time with family and friends, finishing out the semester or handling your work life, and maxing out your credit card on your extended holiday gift list leaves very little time for exercise. Working out could be just what you need to ward off stress and, without enough sleep, your body will have a difficult time mustering the energy to complete a full workout.

Sometimes it’s necessary to schedule your workouts the same way you would schedule a meeting or date. Considering the fact that exercise boosts your general mood and energy level, it is one of the most important means of getting you through the holiday season. If you neglect exercise all-together, the partying, consumption of unhealthy foods, late nights, and long days will weigh you down and possibly inhibit you from enjoying the positive aspects of the holiday season.

Stick to a budget:

Buying a gift for every friend and family member may seem like a generous and appropriate way to show appreciation during the holiday season; however, breaking the bank does not. Gifts do not have to be expensive to send a message of significance. In fact, the act of simply doing something for another person during the holiday season is considerable in itself.

Before you go out and purchase any gift items, set aside an appropriate amount that you are capable of spending. Once you’ve made sure that you can spend without causing a detriment to your banking account, make a list of people you would expect a gift from yourself. These are the people worth your time and money above others. If you have extra cash to purchase gifts for other specific individuals, by all means spread your generosity; however, with a limited supply of money make sure to use it wisely. Always consider gift items that you can make by hand or activities you can do that can replace a material gift.

While it may seem overwhelming to consider the various changes that take place when the temperature plummets, do not neglect the mechanisms that will help you combat negative effects of the holiday season.