Not feeling particularly cheery this holiday season? You’re not alone. In fact,

even before the pandemic started, many people feel stressed, exhausted, and depressed at this time of the year.

While many see the holiday season as a time for reflection, joy, and spending time with their loved ones, others experience a different set of emotions. According to the American Psychological Association, 33% of men and 44% of women who were surveyed find the holiday season stressful.

The good news is that there are ways to ease through the season. Here are some of them.

Make time for yourself

With all the gatherings, pressure to decorate their homes, and buy gifts for your loved ones, we honestly can’t blame you for feeling stressed and exhausted. But if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, then take a break.  

Also, doing activities that bring you joy can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. So try to allot some time for yourself, even if it’s just 30 minutes a day. Incorporating some “me time” into your daily routine will leave you feeling good inside and out.

Stay connected

Whether you’re spending the holiday apart from your family or you’re estranged from them, that doesn’t mean you have to celebrate the holiday on your own.

You see, the word family goes beyond the people you’re born into, it’s the people who bring you joy and happiness. So feel free to spend this special occasion with your close friends. And if you truly miss your family, you can always call or video chat with them.

Get moving

While the winter weather forces us to spend more time at home and wrapped in a blanket, it’s important to remain active.

If you’re working from home, you can use the extra hour you’re not commuting to get in some exercise. You can watch some fitness videos, dance, or do some yoga. 30 minutes of walking is also a good form of exercise.

You don’t need to do extensive exercise to stay healthy. The goal is to hit at least 2.5 hours a week, and you have 7 days to hit that goal. If you find yourself making some excuses not to exercise, set an alarm on your phone.