How to Navigate the Holidays with a Sense of Recovery Instead of Stress

2020 or 2021 are not like most years, even when it comes to the Holiday Season – reading through my previous holiday blogs made it very clear that my message was still going to be a bit different this year.

Some of the typical sources of holiday stress might be absent (less travelling, more online shopping instead of crowded shopping centers). Instead new sources of stress are still present (how could I get together with loved ones, stay healthy, or how to tolerate the constant uncertainty?

Many might be feeling a little blue and missing annual Holiday traditions (big family gatherings, concerts, church events), but fortunately, in most countries, the society is at least a bit more open now than it was a year ago. Others might be relieved that they can basically ‘skip’ Christmas again this year. Most of us are probably somewhere between, trying to do the best with what this year can offer.

Making It Work for Us

So, how can we find the holiday spirit, be kind to ourselves and others, and come out with a sense of balance and peace, instead of stress?

The Firstbeat database, with over 400 000 measurements, has systematically shown that the amount of stress increases towards the end of the year. In fact, December 23, 24 and 31 boast the highest amount of measured stress all year.

Many of us can testify to feeling busy and stressed as the year-end nears and we try to tie things up at work and get ready for the holidays. To make matters more challenging, at least here in the north, the days keep getting shorter and darker, which can drain our energy, mix the circadian rhythm, and zap us of the motivation to exercise (a key combatant to stress).

Without minimizing how difficult life has been for many these past two years, we need to try to find the silver lining in a challenging situation. Here are a few thoughts to help you navigate the holiday season and hopefully come out the other side stronger and more resilient.

Why not try…

• Figure out what your “must-haves” are (without which the holiday just doesn’t come) and leave the “nice-to-haves” for another year (maybe you will realize that nobody missed them anyway…).
• Dress in cozy clothes, light a candle, listen to streamed concerts, or church services, or do online shopping from the comfort of your own couch, instead of dealing with crowded parking lots, uncomfortable church benches, or stores. Granted, it’s not the same, but technology does have its benefits!
• Make time to catch up with loved ones you cannot  meet this Christmas over a heartfelt phone call or give video calls a chance. With a bit of tutoring, even grandparents can learn a few new tricks. Or go old-school and write a Christmas letter! It’s not the same as hugging your loved ones but can be an immense comfort to many.
• Use social media constructively and read it selectively. It can be uplifting to send and read positive posts and catch up with friends around the world, but don’t hesitate to skip the negative rants that are likely to zap your spirit – and increase your stress levels.

A gentle reminder of moderation when it comes to eating, drinking and exercise (borrowed from my earlier blog, but it is as true as ever.) If we forego all our good habits, it’s a tough road back after the New Year, but it’s also ok to indulge.

You don’t need to stick to your most strict diet or exercise program during the holidays, or feel guilty about spending a day watching movies in your pj’s, but you are going to feel a lot better if you also prioritize some time for physical activity, schedule lighter food choices between the heavier meals and include days with little or no alcohol to ensure good-quality sleep.

How about a walk in the woods with family or a friend, an outdoor game, or a relaxing yoga session behind closed doors? Exercise is a great way to boost your well-being and resilience and relieve stress.

After living a very unusual  everyday life for almost 2 years, the holiday celebration might still not be very typical this year. All the more reason to  give yourself permission, with good conscience, to take it easy this year. Catch up on sleep and relax a bit more, so that instead of draining your body’s battery you can charge it and be better prepared for the challenges of the new year.

The Big Picture Is What Counts

Here is data from two days from last Christmas that I collected with the Firstbeat Life app, to illustrate that some days are naturally going to be a bit harder than others.

You can probably guess which of the days involved indulging in a couple of glasses of wine in the evening. But I also took the time to be physically active on both days (shown in blue) and made sure that my sleep was long enough. The big picture is what counts. If we build in enough moments and days where the focus is on recovery and enjoyable activity, and sufficient sleep, we can handle a few busy days and holiday splurges now and then.

Happy holidays! Take care of yourself and those close to you!

Want to know more about your well-being with the help of near-laboratory accurate data?