Oh Well!

Fitness: A Gift of Self-Care

Let’s be real: the holidays are busy. Balancing work, celebrations, meals, shopping, and sweets while maintaining an exercise routine can be quite the challenge, and can sometimes feel impossible.

Exercise is a pillar of self-care, and when you don’t make time for your fitness, you probably aren’t making time for the rest of your self-care either—not great during the often stressful holiday season. So, here are ways you can save time on your household chores, and hopefully squeeze in a few extra minutes to take care of yourself:

1. Try batch cooking. YouTube has a ton of meal prep ideas that could help turn cooking into a once or twice a week thing.

2. Save time on laundry. Folding each piece takes up a lot more time than you think. Instead, try hanging your clothing, or layering it in the drawer. Saving time on chores can help allow time for exercise.

3. Schedule a virtual workout or follow an online routine to save time commuting to and from the gym. Since we live in sunny Florida, you can also exercise outside with a hike, or just play physical games with your family, during even the coldest times of the year.

4. Find someone to keep you accountable. Whether it’s a trusted friend, a Facebook group, or a qualified fitness instructor, this person can motivate you to make healthy choices, better prioritize your health, and remind you that everyone falls off the horse at times; what matters is making sure you always get back up!

Still feeling stressed? You’re not alone. Here are a couple of simple relaxation and energy building exercises to help you calm and recover your energy for the holidays, as well as prep for a great New Year.

Simple Belly Breathing: When we relax, we use a mouth breath: a gentle inhale of acceptance, and an exhale of releasing stress and expectations. It is a peaceful balance of your nervous system. Belly breathing through the mouth should help to relieve any tension. You don’t even have to put your hands on your tummy; you can even do this in the car or at your desk.

Spinal Rotation Side-Lying: When we are hunched over our phones or keyboards, towering over children and pets, or whatever it is we do, our body is beckoning us to re-open that crouched space up again. A spinal rotation is a great way to stretch the fascial tissue under your neck and across your chest and arms. To add to the relaxation, incorporate your open mouth breathing.

Lily Hollister is the owner of Pilates Center of Winter Garden, and creator of Nerve Impulse Redirection. Lily helps West Orange maintain their best health and body balance.

Healthcare: Holiday Breaks

Confronting the less happy aspects of the holidays

For many people, this is their favorite time of year—a time to get together with family and friends to celebrate the memories of holidays’ past. The cool breeze, the warm smells of food wafting from the kitchen, and the traditions of decorating the tree and putting up lights all bring positive feelings.

But for many of us, the season is a double-edged sword. According to a survey commissioned by JoyOrganics, 88% of respondents believe the holidays are the most stressful time of the year, and 84% reported the feelings of stress started as early as November.

Of those reporting anxiety, more than half say the extra financial strain was the biggest factor of their stress (as cited in Anderer, 2019 “Jingle Bell Crock: 88% of Americans Feel the Holiday Season Is Most Stressful Time of Year”).

In addition, for many people, the holidays are the background of the worst memories of their lives— childhood traumas, family blowups, and the loss of loved ones. The holiday season can trigger many vivid memories and feelings from the past. Not all children have that wonderful Christmas morning where they wake up to a pile of presents under the tree, and this can leave a lasting scar for some. Sometimes the holidays can trigger feelings of loss, such as grieving the loss of a loved one or going through a divorce. The season also may be a reminder of family arguments or disagreements that led to a divide and estrangement from family. All of these can lead to symptoms of depression and anxiety , making the holiday season difficult to maneuver.

So what can one do to help reduce stress and negative emotions during the holidays? First, take time for yourself. Don’t try to do too much. You can’t do everything during the holidays, and some family members or friends may not be able to get as much time with you as they would like, and that is OK.

Secondly, let go of the idea of perfection. There is no such thing as perfection, and the more one tries to make the events perfect, the more stress and anxiety will increase.

Third, self-care is important. Getting plenty of sleep, exercise, and time for oneself will help to reduce stress. Take time out after the holidays to recover from travel and the holiday events.

Fourth, if you’ve struggled in the past with holidays, whether with grief, loss, trauma, or abuse, please know you are not alone. Millions of Americans have experienced something similar and feel the same way. Take time out of the holidays to process your thoughts and feelings. Share with a family member, friend, or professional. Lastly, make them fun. Remember that holidays are a time to spend with family and friends in celebration. They are a time to share love and kindness. Keep this in mind when you’re obsessing about buying the perfect gift, trying to cook the best dinner ever, or running from place to place. There is a bigger meaning to the holidays. Find your meaning!

If you’re still struggling with stress, anxiety, or depression don’t hesitate to contact a professional. Psychologists and therapists can provide various interventions to assist with these conditions and help you through the holiday stress.

Parker Mott, Psy.D., is the owner of Counseling & Psychological Services of Central Florida. Dr. Mott was born and raised in the area, and his family has been here for over 150 years. He attended Dillard Street Elementary, Lakeview Middle, and graduated from West Orange High in 1998.