During the holidays, the stress of making things perfect, worrying about the bridging of friends and family groups, events and shopping can overwhelm. It’s so important to prioritize self-care at this time of year and make choices that give us space to really be present and enjoy ourselves! Here are 7 ways to lower stress this holiday season:
1. Say No to Anything that Steals Your Joy
It’s ok to say no! You don’t have to attend every holiday party and gathering you’re invited to. As a life rule, sometimes less is more. You have permission to be selective about how you want to spend your holidays. Take a page out of “Spark Joy” Marie Kondo’s book, and say no to anything that steals your joy, and say YES to things that feel like a total YES for you.
2. Make time for Nothing
Yes, doing nothing is doing something. We all need downtime, especially during the holiday season when it can feel like there are a million things to do or we’re under unique pressures that come with the season. Schedule self-care time, go ahead and watch that movie you’ve been curious about, have a bath, or take a nap!
3. Get Pleasure from Connection, Not Calories
How can you stick to your Clean Eating goals without feeling deprived? Focus on connecting with your loved ones, not on food. It’s totally ok to have your treats and enjoy yourself with food too, but if your goal is to continue with a weight loss plan, or rewire your eating habits, then set a plan in motion. Bring healthy snacks or a dish to contribute, and eat a bit of protein before you go out to social gatherings.
4. Plan Your Week with Room for Meal Prep
One of the best ways to lower your stress over the holidays is to set aside a bit of time to prepare yourself some Clean Eating approved meals. That way, you can stay nourished and prevent unwanted bloating or weight gain from too much fast food or grab meals.
Try these taco scramble meal prep bowls
Or these roasted veggie + quinoa meal prep bowls.
5. Ask for help! You don’t have to do it all alone
Remember, you don’t have to do it all on your own. Let your friends, neighbors or family members help when they offer and don’t be afraid to reach out for support if you need it. I love to get my kids in the kitchen with me for meal-prep and make it fun. Find little ways to get your family involved in contributing, so that you can take a break.
6. Let the little things go. Ditch perfection in favor of joy
Seriously, I understand the desire for perfection – and I promise you, no matter what you do, it’s going to be AMAZING. You don’t have to be perfect in order for your loved ones to enjoy the holidays. Ditch striving for perfection in favor of experiencing easefulness and JOY. That is what really matters most.
7. Stick to your self-care rituals
Self-care is your best friend right now. Do you have any rituals you do that just keep you sane? Like a once a week bubble bath with the door closed (completely), or a solo-trip out to your favorite trail, or restaurant? Whatever it is, stick to the self-care rituals that help you stay connected to yourself this holiday season.
Stay connected with me over the holidays, because we have tons of AMAZING new recipes for a Clean Eating feast that everyone will LOVE.
❤Rachel
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