1 Prioritize The People You Love
Having fun with friends and family members can be a great stress reliever because it boosts levels of the so called cuddle hormone oxytocin So go ahead and make time to exchange gifts reminisce and catch up on everybodys lives
But beware All friends and family members arent created equal and for some people family obligations can be one of the biggest sources of family stress If thats true for you try to avoid or minimize negative interactions whether that means avoiding that uncle who always fights with you over politics or staying at a hotel rather than crashing at your parents or siblings place in order to give yourself an escape from drama
2 Dont Procrastinate
Shopping cooking cleaning and all of the prep work that goes into holiday celebrations takes time and energy Put it off until the last second and it can take a big toll on your stress leveland your sleep So make a list check it twice and start chipping away at your to dos now instead of waiting Besides youll avoid the most frenzied crowds and traffic and youll be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor that much more if you arent exhausted when the big day arrives
3 Say No Sometimes
Bake sales gift exchanges dinner partiesany one seasonal activity can be fun on its own But agree to too many and you can wind up feeling super tense Be realistic about how much time and energy you have and just say no before you end up pulling an all nighter baking or wrapping presents
4 Have a Good Laugh
When it all feels like too much to handle skip the glass of wine and grab a good comedy flick instead While alcohol may seem like it helps you relax it can actually disrupt your sleep during the night making your zzzs less restorative Laughing out loud on the other hand can actually slash your levels of stress hormone helping you to unwind before bed
5 Give Yourself a Curfew
No one wants to feel like a party pooper But the truth is that too much late night fun can and willwreak havoc on your sleep schedule Your car might not turn into a pumpkin Cinderella style but youll either pay the price in bleary eyes the next day or if you catch up by sleeping in youll run the risk of tossing and turning the following night So decide in advance what time youll depart each holiday gathering and then stick to your guns when the clock strikesno FOMO allowed
6 Take an Afternoon Nap
Do late nights still have you feeling exhausted Theres no replacement for a regular sleepwake schedule but a nap can help you bridge the gap when it doesnt happen Schedule it in the afternoon to take advantage of your bodys natural sleep rhythms Twenty to 30 minutes is all you need for a quick pick me up but a 90 minute nap can be even more restorative if you have the time
Dont put off improving your sleep and your life any longer Call Alaska Sleep Clinic Monday through Friday 9am 5pm to speak with one of our board certified sleep specialists
