5 Ways to De-Stress After the Holidays
It may called “the most wonderful time of year,” but the holidays can bring more stress to a person’s life than any other time. Now that the holidays are over, you can reflect on where you are in your recovery journey. You may struggle to regain your peace and calm state of mind. Additionally, the holiday season could have brought on some behaviors you do not like.
Sometimes de-stressing includes negative coping skills, such as drinking to avoid family issues. If you find yourself struggling with stress after the holidays, read on to learn five simple ways to de-stress, and explore the benefits of calling Restoration Recovery to assist you in your recovery journey.
Why Do I Have Stress After the Holidays?
Stress can be a sneaky thing that creeps up on you. Sometimes you experience it in body aches, and other times you may feel overwhelmed at the smallest tasks. The holidays can bring about an unbearable amount of stress in our lives. Not everyone has a wonderful family, and that can be a form of after-the-holiday stress. It is easy to get lost in your thoughts and remind yourself of the relationships that you wish you had.
Additionally, the days are shorter in the winter months; therefore, there is not as much light as there was before the holidays. During the holidays, you may have had events to look forward to; after the holidays, it is easy to slip into a space of depression or “cabin fever.” Research reports that cabin fever is a “folk syndrome” that combines anxiety, restlessness, irritability, moodiness, boredom, depression, or feelings of dissatisfaction in response to confinement. Cabin fever can present difficult-to-manage symptoms if a person doesn’t have healthy coping skills. Below are five examples of healthy coping skills to manage stress after the holidays.
#1. Establish a New Routine After the Holidays
Consistency is always key when de-stressing, especially after the holidays. When consistency is not present, feelings of depression, overwhelm, and anxiety can sprout unknowingly. Establishing a routine can help organize your daily tasks, work assignments, 12-Step meeting attendance, and so much more. Your routine does not have to be extravagant, but completing important tasks will lead to a feeling of satisfaction.
#2. Take a Break
It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays and forget to give your body what it needs. There is no harm in giving yourself a break. For example, maybe you are sleepy and need a nap. Permit yourself to rest. On the other hand, it may be that you need to take a day for yourself and reset. There is no shame in giving your body the time that it needs to de-stress after the holidays.
#3. Outpatient Counseling
You are never alone in your recovery journey and help is only a call away. Outpatient counseling could be just what you need to navigate through de-stressing after the holidays. At Restoration Recovery, we provide counseling that will meet you right where you are. It is easy to get caught in the negative thought patterns that lead you to make unhealthy choices. We understand and want to meet you where you are in your journey.
#4. Meditation/Yoga After the Holidays
Yoga can benefit you no matter where you are in your recovery journey. There are many benefits when practicing yoga. For example, yoga can provide a space of feeling grounded and calm throughout your day. Yoga can improve mood and decrease stress after the holidays.
Meditation teaches your body to relax and enjoy the space around you. It centers and restores peace within your mind. From a holistic perspective, you can never go wrong with adding meditation/yoga to your day. If you want to add a sense of awareness and balance, try incorporating the five senses into your routine.
#5. Enjoy Nature After the Holidays
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), spending just 20 minutes a day in nature can produce lower cortisol, which almost instantly reduces stress levels. Being outside has an immense impact on the body. Not only does stress decrease, but your body gets rejuvenated by breathing in fresh air or taking a short walk. Aim to find healthy ways to de-stress after the holidays. Nature can be just what you have been craving.
What Should I Do if I Relapsed?
Sometimes when you are overwhelmed during the holidays, you go back to what you know. If you have relapsed and are struggling, Restoration Recovery is here to help. Relapsing does not make you a bad person. We at Restoration Recovery understand that relapse is a part of one’s individual recovery journey.
The holidays are a stressful time of the year. There are many expectations regarding gifts, family commitments, etc. Your recovery may not have been a priority with all the stress you encountered. It is okay to acknowledge the feelings of being overwhelmed during the holidays. You are not alone, and Restoration Recovery is here to help ease the burden. We offer a space where you can be present with your thoughts and emotions. It is difficult to be on this journey of recovery and feel like you’re all alone. Let us help you to be the best version of yourself. Give us a call at (888) 290-0925 today, and we will be happy to answer any questions that you have.
