It’s that time of year, when we eat loads of foods, pretend to enjoy spending time with relatives, go Black Friday/Christmas shopping, go to office parties, bake pies, wrap gifts, do this, do that. What else, Susan, what else?
We’re running ourselves ragged stuffing as much holiday cheer into each day, causing us to lose sleep. But there’s no reason to be less cheery, and a lot more Christmas grinchy this Holiday season.
Get ahead of the curve
To avoid stress and sleep deprivation, get a jump-start on your holiday planning. Make a list of things that need to be done before the Holidays begin and pencil those tasks into times on your calendar that you have free.
Too much is too much
Make the holiday tasks a family affair. Get the kids to help with the cleaning, have everybody pitch in on making dishes for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. Invite your siblings to join you for holiday shopping. Make holiday stress and sleep deprivation go away with family bonding experiences.
Put that extra cookie down
Keep late night snacking to a minimum. There's nothing wrong with having a small snack before bed, but if you're stuffing your face right before bed it will make your body work harder to break down all that food and interrupt your sleep.
And pick those weights up
Exercise is not only great for the body, but the mind as well, and it can go a long way towards helping you keep your head clear of all your holiday stresses.
Learn a relaxation technique
Relaxing activities can include building gingerbread houses, hanging Thanksgiving decorations, reading Christmas books together, or helping the kids write their letters to Santa. It doesn't really matter what activities you do, if they're relaxing and not too over stimulating.
Most importantly, keep your sleep schedule
We all want to spend every moment of the holidays bright eyed and bushy tailed, but that won't be likely if we’re not getting regular sleep. Sure – stay up a little late during the holidays, but limit it to no more than an hour past your regular schedule.