The holidays are supposed to be a time of good cheer, but unfortunately, it’s all too easy to get overwhelmed and end up stressing out over things that are supposed to be celebratory. It can seem as if you’re getting pulled in too many different directions at once, and there never seems to be enough time to do all the things people expect of you. Your aunt Linda will be crushed if you say you can’t come to her annual holiday potluck and white elephant gift exchange, even though it overlaps with your child’s school play. Or, maybe your homeowners’ association has announced a decorating contest that leaves you scrambling to string up lights and turn your front yard into a winter wonderland. Whatever the case, if you feel like you’re struggling to keep up, you aren’t alone. The holidays leave many people feeling increased anxiety, and if you also struggle with seasonal affective disorder, this time of year can be especially emotionally challenging. What are some natural stress-relief remedies you can turn to if you’re working to preserve your sobriety during this hectic time?

Exercise

The holiday season places unique demands on everyone’s schedule, and often, your physical fitness and nutritional needs are often the first things to get pushed to the wayside. Many people overeat and stop carving out time for daily workouts, telling themselves they’ll catch back up in the new year. However, this neglect is detrimental to both your physical and mental health. Exercise and a healthy diet are two pillars of your well-being, and both have a direct effect on your mood. If you allow yourself to become more sedentary during the holidays, you will feel sluggish and have low energy levels. Even 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day is enough to help you feel healthier and happier.

Massage

Massage therapy is an excellent way to reduce your stress levels and can also help lower your blood pressure and heart rate. The best news is that you don’t need an hour-long massage to achieve these benefits. While you’re out shopping for gifts, stop by the chair massage place in the mall for a 15-minute session. No matter how hectic your holiday schedule gets, you can easily make time for this method of self-care.

Yoga

Yoga is another excellent all-natural way to tame tension. By guiding your body through specific flows of movement, you can gain a greater sense of self-awareness. The practice of yoga also involves learning to control your breath, which is a de-stressing technique that will serve you well in situations that are threatening to overwhelm you. Anytime you feel yourself getting anxious, taking a few minutes to bring your attention back to your breath is an ideal way to regain your composure.

Protecting Your Lifelong Sobriety

At Segue Recovery Support, we have committed ourselves to being a partner in your long-term recovery goals. We understand that longer treatment times correlate with success in recovering from drug and alcohol abuse issues, and that many people need a transition period before returning to the “real world.” Learn more about what we offer, then contact us to inquire about admissions.