Here comes the Holidays!

Yep, it’s that time of year again.  I can’t believe it’s already November either!  There are special events coming up, travel, shopping, parties, and the like.  Are you anticipating demands on your time, your finances, and your relationships?  As we start the two-month slide into 2023, I invite you to prepare yourself for the stress that you are likely to encounter.  This will help you to have more stress resilience during this time, which creates space to really be present with your loved ones and enjoy the true spirit of what the holidays are meant to commemorate. 

Good sleep allows you to be more efficient with your activities and is a fantastic stress reducer.  Committing to a regular sleep schedule helps you to feel more alert during the day and allows you to have more emotional regulation.  Emotional regulation is very important when considering your stress levels!  And dealing with the stress levels of others. ;)   Your bedtime routine can be a fantastic time to focus on “me time” and allow yourself to unwind.  How can you create more serenity for yourself?  

 If you tend to have a hard time sleeping because of a busy brain, schedule some time to address this in advance.  Jot down your to-do list or do a brain dump of all the things that tend to bounce around in your head as you’re lying in bed awake.  Look at these things logically and take every opportunity to reassure yourself that you are doing your best.  Practice accepting imperfection.  Write down the things that really matter to you.  This will help soothe your mind so you can get to sleep peacefully.    

Be mindful of your food consumption.  Sugary foods and large meals interrupt sleep and commonly cause stomach upset.  It’s best not to eat several hours before bed, but if you’re feeling hungry try a hot cup of broth at bedtime.  Overeating due to stress or a feeling of obligation is common, but you can make a plan in advance for parties and get-togethers to honor the health needs of your body.  Write down what you intend to eat, and stick to it.  Make it an option to graciously refuse foods that you don’t want to eat- you can say “yes, that looks delicious and I might circle back to it later!”  Or take a bite or two of a treat, savor it fully, and then move on.  

Overdrinking alcohol is also common, and many people have the mistaken belief that alcohol helps them sleep.  The sedative effects of alcohol can shorten the time it takes to get to sleep, but the rest of its effects are negative.  Your REM (dream) sleep is reduced with alcohol on board.  Your sleep is lighter and fragmented.  Nighttime awakenings are more common and are often longer because your heart rate is increased and you are dehydrated.  And sleep disorders (especially insomnia and sleep apnea) are worsened by alcohol.  

Similar to having a food plan, you can decide in advance how much you will drink and when you will stop.  Notice how alcohol affects you, and change your decision next time if you don’t like the results.  Make sure to drink lots of water to help with metabolism and recovery.  You can always leave a drink unfinished or choose a seltzer or a non-alcoholic beverage.  

Putting just a few practices in place to protect your well-being during the holiday season can go a long way toward enjoying yourself more!