5 Ways to Slow Down and Avoid Holiday Stress

Expectations vs reality

Many of us envision what the ideal holiday season will be like: joyous parties, cozy crafting, fun decorating, delicious meals, blissful time spent with family and friends—you get the idea. But at some point in December, we realize that reality doesn’t always match up with our expectations! Hosting, traveling, shopping, and cooking can all get to be a bit much at this time of year. But you don’t have to let stress ruin the fun. We’ve come up with five ways to slow down and reset so you can truly enjoy the holiday season.

Don’t be afraid to say no (or delegate!)

This may seem a bit obvious, but you wouldn’t believe how many people forget to clean their camera lens! Phones spend a lot of time in hands, pockets, and bags, exposing your lens to fingerprints, dust, and dirt. That can create unwanted blurs and dust spots on your photos. To avoid this, get in the habit of cleaning your lens regularly. Blow on it first to remove any grit that could scratch the lens and then clean it with a soft cloth. A clean lens is the first step towards clear and sharp photos!

 

Spend some time in nature

We’ve all heard that spending time in nature has a restorative effect, but science actually backs this theory up! A 2019 study found that just 20 minutes spent connecting with nature lowered stress hormone levels. Pair your time in nature with some exercise for an endorphin boost that will leave you feeling rejuvenated. Winter is a great time for sledding, skiing, and hiking. If you don’t have easy access to wilderness, even a walk in your local park will make a difference.

Start a relaxing ritual

Make a habit of carving out some time for relaxation! Different people relax in different ways, so do what feels right for you. For some, that might be booking a professional massage or taking a candlelit soak with nice bath salts at the end of a long day. For others, it may be as simple as 30 minutes with a good book or a calming cup of tea in the afternoon. Setting aside time for yourself can feel a little indulgent, but it’s necessary to give yourself opportunities to relax and recharge.

Embrace quiet moments and affirmations

With so much going on, many of us feel like we don’t have the time to take a break. If your days seem too busy to take even an hour off, try closing your eyes for a few moments instead. Allow your mind to wander without judgment. A few quiet minutes of daydreaming still give your brain a much-needed break. For bonus points, add in an affirmation such as “I deserve a joyful holiday.” Studies show that self-affirmations can actually reduce stress and promote happiness.

Let go of perfection

Let’s be honest, no matter how much thought and effort goes into your holiday plans, something will go awry. A kid will get sick, you’ll forget to buy whipped cream, or someone’s flight will get delayed. It’s easy to get upset by these moments, but don’t lose sight of the bigger picture. The holidays are about spending quality time with the people we love. So everything isn’t perfect. So what? Let go of perfection and you’ll find that “good enough” still results in a very happy holiday!

We hope you’ve enjoyed our top tips for slowing down and avoiding holiday stress. If you could use a little pampering at this time of year, treat yourself to a custom frame! Our talented designers will create beautiful custom frames to make you feel merry well past the holidays. Visit us at FastFrame.com