- Shake it Out || Dancing, biking, at-home workout videos, power walking… Whatever gets you up and moving for 20 minutes or more will help improve your mood.
- Hit Snooze || It seems fairly obvious that more sleep means more energy, but it also helps regulate essential functions like appetite control. Sleeping fewer than 7 hours can trigger a cycle of stress eating.
- Stay Hydrated || With everything going on, it can be a challenge to remember to drink enough water. Maintaining your hydration reduces fake hunger pains and flushes toxins out of your body. Keeping a water bottle with you throughout the day will help you get your 11+ cups of H2O.
- Taste the Rainbow || Choosing a variety of naturally different-colored, whole foods throughout the day provides a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Adding more fruits and vegetables to your plate improves your immune system which can be compromised during times of prolonged stress.
- Practice Some Self-Love || It’s important to make sure you reserve some time to yourself during this season. Take a bath, go for a walk, meditate, watch your favorite movie. Setting aside time to focus on yourself can support your rejuvenation process.
- Have a Debrief Buddy || Lots of activity and group socialization can zap many people’s energy, especially if some relationships are strained or trigger negative emotions. It’s important to have a trusted friend, partner, or professional to share your experiences with in a judgment-free environment.
Getting overwhelmed during the holidays is normal, and it’s important to remember you don’t have to face those feelings alone. If none of these tips seem to help, and fatigue morphs into depression, there are resources available to help guide you back to you. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information hotline, and the national mental health crisis number, 988, offers 24/7 access to trained counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress.
