5 Ways To Holistically Balance Through the Holidays

Holidays are stressful for many of us. The entire family crammed in a small house together, spending too much money on gifts that will be broken or outgrown by next year, and lots of overeating. Aside from locking yourself in your bedroom until they're over, there are plenty of things you can do to stay balanced during the season of gifts and giving.

As a holistic life coach, I know how important it is to do everything you can to not let the stress get to you. Not only do the holidays bring about more anxiety and too many plans, but the cold and dark winter days add to those feelings of depression. To stay holistically balanced, use these five tips during the holiday season.

Embrace the Word ‘No’

Always remember that it's okay to say no to things. No one person can do everything, and being a “yes” person can cause excess stress and resentment. While you don't want to say “no” to everything, always saying “yes” isn't good for your physical or mental health. One writer told the story of their 30-day challenge to stop being a “yes” person on NBC News, and it was life-changing in a positive way.

If you don't want to host holidays at your home this year, say "no." If you don't want the stress of your family asking you personal questions, stay home.

Take Some ‘Me’ Time

Whether you're hosting the festivities, attending them, or skipping them altogether, practicing self-care is always important. There are multiple types of self-care, from mental to physical. Self-care can be as simple as staying home when feeling stressed or as complex as planning a spa day.

It doesn't take more than five minutes out of the day to meditate. You can do it anywhere, even in the bathroom during that busy holiday celebration. Just stop and take some time alone and breathe.

Keep a Balanced Diet

Part of staying holistically balanced is keeping your body healthy. Where saying "no" sometimes is good for your mind and meditation is good for your soul, keeping your dietary needs on track is good for your body. Of course, I'm not saying you shouldn't indulge in gingerbread cookies, apple pie, pumpkin pie, and a second helping of turkey. Just space it out some — and don't forget to eat your veggies.

Smaller portions are a great idea, as they allow you to sample more without overeating. You can also find some healthier recipes for your favorite holiday dishes or try some new traditions.

Learn to Delegate More

Even if you're hosting the holidays in your home, you don't have to take on all the holiday responsibilities. And, if you always host the holidays at your home, you don't have to if you don't want to. Instead, ask another family member to play host and offer up tips on how you make it work every year.

Don't do all of the cooking yourself. Instead, delegate some of the cleaning and shopping to other people in your household or extended family. If no one else wants to help, remember that you always have the right to say "no" and change your mind about things.

Remember to Have Fun

Sure, the holidays can be stressful, but it's important to remember to have fun and get some enjoyment out of that time spent with friends and family, some of whom you may not see too often. Even if you burn the turkey, there's still an opportunity to laugh at the outcome and move on with joy in your heart.