For most of us, stress is just part of the holiday season.  Cleaning, cooking, finances, screaming kids.  It can become a lot to handle.  Stress is one of those things that doesn’t just affect your mood, it can pour out into your health, your sleep, and lead to back and neck pain.  Here are some great tips to help you get to sleep and manage your stress this holiday season.

1. Exercise.  It seems like exercise is the answer to everything.  In this instance, it really does help not only by letting you blow off tension but also boosts your feel-good endorphins and keeps you distracted from worries.  It also promotes a healthy sleep cycle.
2. Positive self-talk.  The way you think and talk about yourself is important.  Don’t allow yourself to focus on what should be happening right now but isn’t, or what you are lacking.  Instead focus on empowering thoughts to keep the stress at bay.
3. Don’t be a ‘yes’ man.  If you overwhelm yourself with commitments this season you may find yourself in a great deal of stress.  Finding ways to free up your time (and your money) will lend a less stressful season.
4. Improve your sleep.  Set your scheduled bedtime and wake-up time and stick to them.  Before bed consider meditation or relaxation to help you wind down and get ready for bed.
5. What you eat is important.  Don’t only load up on the cheese-coated and chocolate frosted items.  Make sure you are eating more vegetables, fruits and whole grains.  Stay away from the sugar, caffeine and alcohol.  Your body is able to handle the stress better when you are fueling it with healthy foods.  In addition, sugar and caffeine have been known to keep you up at night.
6. Know your triggers.  Make an effort to discover what is causing your stress so that you can take the steps needed to eliminate it.  If you don’t get to the root causes, you will be unable to deal with the stress caused by your work, home and relationships.
7. Support is key.  Surround yourself with those who care.  You should be in the company of family and friends who are uplifting and not trying to bring you down.

Sources:

http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/stress-and-sleep?ecd=wnl_wmh_122214&ctr=wnl-wmh-122214_nsl-spn_2&mb=u%40WtFSQ%40uIcMLDwYjOyDgyhonS%2fH3cwyOEpyZQxLpms%3d