BODY
HEALTH
There may be no avoiding holiday stresses and weather messes, but there are also ways to help yourself cope. BY JEFFREY JAMES KEYES
THE YULE LOG IS ON NETFLIX, AND ALEXA’S PLAYING SOMETHING FESTIVE. SO WHY DO YOU FEEL SO AWFUL? THE HOLIDAYS MAY BE THE HAPPIEST
time of the year for some people. But for others, family pressures, financial stress, packed calendars, unusual eating and travel can lead to anxiety and exhaustion. Whether you call it holiday burnout or the winter blues, there are several things you can do to take care of yourself this season.
It’s easier said than done, but try to stay on your regular sleep schedule. Sleep requirements vary from person to person, but most adults need between 7 to 9 hours a day. Aiming for six and calling it a night simply won’t cut it. And though it can be tempting to sleep in, don’t assume that you can “catch up on sleep” over your holiday vacation. Sleeping too much can also put you in a funk. So even when you have free time, set your alarm, lace up those boots and face the day.Your bed will be waiting when you get back – and it’ll be that much easier to drift off when you slip between the covers.
6. LIGHTEN UP Seasonal Affective Disorder is a form of depression known to effect people during the fall or winter. Even going for a short walk or spending a little extra time in the sun can begin to turn your bad day around. If you’re stuck indoors, try opening the blinds to let some sunshine into your home or office. Sunlight boosts the brain’s release of serotonin, which can both elevate your mood and help you feel calm. Light therapy (AKA phototherapy) is another aid in treating seasonal depression. Most participants can benefit from sitting near
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a light therapy box – which imitates natural sunlight – for as little as 10 to 15 minutes.
5. WORK IT OUT Even when the weather outside is frightful, it’s worth working up a sweat indoors. Many streaming services offer exercise videos on demand, and most of us have a jump rope or other exercise equipment gathering dust somewhere. Exercise can prompt fast-acting, beneficial changes in neurotransmitters including noradrenaline, serotonin and dopamine. As your body releases endorphins, your mind shifts into something like a meditative state. Aftereffects can include a sense of relaxation and accomplishment.
4. GET WET Whether you opt for a bath bomb, epsom salts, bubbles, or good old fashioned warm water, there’s nothing like grabbing your rubber ducky and sliding into a warm bath. Bathing is proven to be good for the heart. It can help you take in more oxygen, reduce pain and inflammation, calm the nervous system, relax tired joints and muscles, and even balance your hormones while boosting serotonin.
STOCK PHOTO CREDIT: KATARZYNA BIAŁASIEWICZ
7. SLEEP WELL
