Are you feeling it?

The pressure, I mean. You know what I’m talking about.

Yes, it’s an amazing and magical time of year, but it also brings with it a ton of expectations.

There’s time pressure, gift-giving pressure, social pressure, and even pressure to make it through the holidays with a smile.

There’s also less sunshine, which can put a real damper on your mood if you’re one of the many people who experience Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Plus, some of us feel pressure to make the holidays absolutely perfect for our loved ones, and to recapture the magic we remember from our childhood.

A few years ago, Healthline surveyed people about their feelings during the holidays and 62% said they felt “very or somewhat” stressed during their holidays.

Only 10% reported no stress. Researchers found that people reported they were more likely to behave in sedentary ways like watching TV, sleeping, eating and drinking to manage their stress.

Many individuals engage in comfort eating and other unhealthy behaviors, like drinking alcohol to excess, to cope with their stress levels.

How to Beat Holiday Stress

Here are six strategies to help improve your mood this holiday season.

1. Turn on some music and move

At our house, our daughter Giavanna is always ready for a dance party. She'll crank some tunes and make us laugh with her fun moves.

Good music can transform mundane tasks, like cleaning up the kitchen (or cooking, or wrapping gifts, or straightening up the guest room), into less of a chore.

Plus, getting your heart rate up helps your body release feel-good hormones that’ll boost your mood.

2. Get outside

Take a quick walk outside and enjoy nature – or your neighbor’s decorations. There’s nothing like a change of scenery and fresh air to shift your perspective and boost your mood. 

Amidst the concrete jungles and digital noise, your primal connection to nature remains the ultimate antidote to stress.

3. Take a little break from social media

If there ever was a time to cut back on your scrolling time, it’s now.

When you’re feeling stressed, it’s easy to compare your situation with that of others.

Remember: Social media is where people generally show their “perfect” life, not their REAL life.

4. Give someone a compliment

One of my favorite things to do when I go to the post office or grocery store is to give a total stranger a sincere compliment.

A heartfelt compliment can really help someone over the age of 65, because this can be a lonely time of year for many seniors.

5. Distract yourself

Watch a comedy, train hard, read a book, or even tackle an unrelated household chore (hello, organized sock drawer).

6. Breathe

Do five minutes of breathing exercises – just sit back and focus on your breath.

Feel your belly and chest rise as you breathe in, and sink as you breathe out. This can be an amazing “reset” for your mood because it helps relieve anxiety.

An important note: there’s a difference between stressed and feeling true anxiety and depression.

If you’re feeling truly distressed, be sure to check in with your doc.

There’s no need to handle all of that by yourself.

Summary:

The holiday season brings joy but also stress. Expectations, time pressure, and Seasonal Affective Disorder contribute to holiday stress. Healthline found 62% feel stressed, resorting to sedentary behaviors. Tips to beat stress include music, outdoor walks, social media breaks, compliments, distractions, and breathing exercises. If distressed, seek professional help.

To your success,

Coach Joe

P.S. If you'll allow me, I'd love to help you achieve the leanest, strongest, happiest version of you. Tap here if you want a $150 gift card to use on any coaching program. For new clients only please.

Joseph Arangio helps 40+ men and women lose weight, gain strength, and slow aging. He's delivered over 100,000 transformation programs to satisfied clients around the globe. If you want to increase longevity with the best online age-management program, or you want to visit the best age-management program in the Lehigh Valley, you can take a free 14-day trial.