Holidays got you stressed? Especially this year...

Here are some tips to combat holiday stress this season:

1. Plan things ahead of time: Knowing what you are going to do and when you are going to do it can cut stress simply because you took the time to get organized. Instead of being frazzled and all over the place, now you are organized and together.
2. Anticipate problems and create a plan for them: Do you notice every year you run out of a certain ingredient when cooking or baking? Creating a plan for anticipated problems can help control stress.
3. Get 8 hours: Sleep is wicked important. When we get 8 hours we usually feel and function best. Being sleep deprived only makes us tired, more irritable, and more susceptible to stress. Got a monkey mind? Try counting sheep, listening to a free sleep guided imagery from YouTube, writing down all your thoughts, worries, ideas, and things to do, or reciting pleasant mantras. Getting 8 hours not only helps you but also helps the people around you too. 😊
4. Keep a written to-do list: Instead of keeping your to-do list in your mind, why not jot everything down on paper? Remember – a pen and paper? (Before tablets and smartphones…) Jotting down your to-do list can mentally relieve you of worrying about the two-hundred things you have to do, leaving your mind at ease.
5. Do what you can in advance: Wrap gifts as soon as you can instead of waiting until Christmas Eve night. Bake 2 days before the event. Do meal prep early if you can.
6. Get help from others: Most of the time, the people around us want to help, but we never ask. You don’t have to shoulder everything yourself. Hand out tasks, get help, and make it a team effort.
7. Exercise: Whether you have 5 minutes to take a walk, 10 minutes to do a yoga sequence, or 30 minutes to run to the gym – movement and activity of any kind can help de-stress us by clearing our mind and body. It gives us time to rejuvenate and relax and above all, escape a little from the chaos we may be experiencing.
8. Breathe: Yes, breathe. Are you breathing now or are you holding your breath? Take a second to check in with yourself and make sure you are breathing deeply and slowly. When we are stressed we are more likely to breathe shallow, fast breaths, or not breathe at all. This just tells the mind we are in fight or flight (like running from a bear in the woods). So take a minute to breathe and decompress.
9. Enjoy time spent with your friends, family, and loved ones even from a distance or remotely: Don’t forget one of the best parts of the holidays – spending time with our family and friends and taking time to enjoy their company.  Yes this year that could be very different, but that doesn’t mean we can’t all find ways to spend that time with them even if not in person.  Maybe even sip or enjoy a glass of wine, spirit, or beer with them even it’s through Zoom or Facetime.

There is magic in the holidays, don’t miss it because you are too stressed. Take some time to really enjoy this season and the awesomeness it comes with.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Kappy’s Fine Wine & Spirits.