4 Simple Tips To Recover From Holiday Stress

The holiday season may have passed, but for some people, the stress and exhaustion may last a bit longer.

The term "burnout" typically describes that feeling of "emotional, physical and mental exhaustion" from prolonged stress. One may experience it during the holiday season because although it comes and goes within a short period of time, all the preparation, events, celebrations and even expectations can take a toll on any individual.

Once all the parties are done and it's time to remove all the decorations, it's not impossible for people to feel burned out even though they also had a bit of fun. So before you head out into the new year, perhaps it would be a good idea to take a bit of time to recover and recharge from all the holiday muss and fuss.

Here are some simple tips to start recovering from the stresses of the holidays: (Courtesy: Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, Anytime Fitness, Attuned Psychology and EatMoveMake)

Slow Down

Although you may want to get rid of all the clutter and take down the decorations now that the holidays are over, it's okay if you have a bit of rest first. Even just a day of winding down from all the events and excitement before you start going at it again may help you find your post-holiday footing.

Whether it's by sitting down and having a cup of tea, practicing mindfulness and breathing exercises, listening to music, enjoying a hobby or simply going on a leisurely walk, what's important is to let yourself take a little break from the worries and concerns and set aside some time for rest and mental fitness.

Peruse the Photos

The holidays can be exhausting, but they bring quite a bit of fun many times, too. Taking a break and looking back at the photos from the recent festivities may help you enjoy the memories you just created and the good things that happened, focusing instead on the positive events. Another way would be to have a bit of a chat with loved ones and reminisce about all the recent fun.

Hydrate

There's no denying that the holiday season is often a time of indulging in some dishes and beverages that may not be as healthy as we would like. Hydrating by drinking a bit more water after all those celebrations may help the body recover by getting rid of waste and helping with digestion. This is especially helpful for those who may have had a bit more alcohol than they normally do.

Meanwhile, those who are looking to eat healthier but still have a bit of treats from the holidays need not stress about them. Instead of stopping eating them altogether, people can instead ease off the treats by trying to eat healthier while still being a bit more flexible about it so as to avoid getting frustrated with themselves.

Sleep

With all the holiday gatherings and activities, it no longer comes as a surprise that some people have not had quality sleep recently. In the days ahead, try making it a point to catch up on good sleep, whether it's by taking a proper nap or by trying to sleep earlier or with better conditions.

Generally, adults 18 to 60 years of age need seven or more hours of sleep per day. It is a good way to catch up on sleep and get a bit of rest after the holidays. At the same time, it is also important, as sleep plays a "vital role" in people's good health and well-being.

Remember, if you still need help, do not hesitate to ask for it, whether it's from a loved one or a professional.