For many people, the holiday season comes with a lot of stress. This is usually due to seeing family members that they may not always get along with. Another reason is missing loved ones that are no longer with us. Regardless of the reason, stress is very common during this time. Thankfully, there are activities and strategies that come into play to keep stress levels low and relaxation levels high. This blog post will cover all of that from the perspective of a company offering amazing promotional stress balls.
Let’s get right into it!
Focus On What You Have in Common
Let’s say your brother-in-law consistently gets on your nerves and starts arguments during the holidays when you see him. One great tip we have is to focus on what you have in common to find common ground. For example, if you both like Tom Hanks movies, put some of them on while you’re together. This is a great way to both bond and keep the peace in the house.
Resolve Conflicts
This one might not work for everyone since some people have a way of being stubborn to the grave. However, use your judgment, and if you know that there are unresolved issues with one of your cousins, try to bury the hatchet before getting together or do it right when you see them. This way, they will be caught off guard and have their walls down, being more likely to be receptive to resolving differences and moving on.
This is a very important part of staying stress-free due to the fact that the underlying feeling that comes from unresolved conflicts is typically a sense of dread when thinking about seeing the other person.
Bake Treats
Did you know that psychologists say that spending time in the kitchen helps relieve stress and improve mental health? Probably not. This is a lesser-known fact. Baking gives us something to look forward to and provides comfort. In the current crazy world, we have little control.
But being able to follow recipes and measure ingredients gives us a sense of routine, a very calming one. It keeps us focused and engaged. Above all, the word “stressed” is “desserts” spelled backward.
Exercise
We know it’s a colder time of year and it can be hard to find the motivation to leave the house, but there are many exercises that can be done at home. Exercise is proven to be possibly the greatest stress reliever in our existence. If you’re able to leave the house without much of an issue, get into the routine of going to the gym. And if you’re not feeling like going to the gym, consider going ice skating, hiking, or skiing.
The reality is that any form of exercise is going to release endorphins, thereby decreasing stress levels and improving your mental health. Make sure you stay hydrated. Consider getting in an exercise routine with someone else in your family so you both can benefit and keep each other motivated. Many people at the start of every year will set a goal of getting in better shape but rarely act on it. So you can get an early head start by starting now!
Manage Grief
Since one of the greatest holiday stressors is dealing with the absence of a loved one who is gone, a sense of loss, emptiness, and grief is very common. This is a really tough thing to deal with and it can be hard to come up with effective solutions. Many people find peace through prayer. Take solace in the memories that you had with your loved ones. Acknowledge your feelings and don’t suppress them.
Try not to find yourself reaching for alcohol or food when feeling upset. Take care of yourself, get fresh air, and enjoy the company of others. If certain traditions bring back too many sad feelings, your family will understand when you would rather skip them. Your traditions will adjust with time.
Final Thoughts
The holidays can be stressful for many, but you don’t have to be one of them. Take these ideas into consideration as you prepare for getting together with family and celebrating the holidays. Remember that we also offer promotional stress balls that you can customize. We have special brain stress balls that many enjoy.
Merry Christmas to all from the 1001 Stress Balls team!