Seven Tips for Beating Holiday Stress
1. Practice Sleep Hygiene Get a jump-start on a healthy New Year by resolving to prioritize sleep during the holidays. Practicing sleep hygiene is important for both physical and mental health. If you don't have consistent habits around sleep, you may not be setting yourself up for optimal rejuvenation from time spent in bed. By implementing a few conscious and consistent nightly habits, you'll ensure that your down time sets you up for a great tomorrow. First, make your bed as inviting as possible by replacing your worn-out or unsupportive mattress with one that supports healthy sleep posture. Be sure to also choose a mattress made from natural materials, without chemicals. To keep bed clothes fresh between washings, make a relaxing aromatherapy spray. Add around 20 drops of lavender essential oil (known for its soothing properties) to a small spray bottle of filtered water. Mist sheets and pillowcases when you make your bed in the morning and once again before settling into bed. The scent of lavender will calm your mind and signal your body that it's time to relax. Next, prepare for sleep by instituting a wind-down period one to two hours before bedtime. Minimize the use of screens and dim overhead lights in favor of task lighting. Soften the volume of conversations and reduce strenuous activity to begin relaxing your body and mind. If you're serious about getting good sleep, consider banning all screens, including the television, from your bedroom. Exposure to unnatural light, especially blue light from screens, can alter your body's circadian rhythm, your natural, internal synchronization with the sun. Research has shown that even brief exposures to blue light can lower levels of melatonin secretion, the hormone that helps you feel sleepy at night. By creating and practicing bedtime rituals, you send a signal to your body that it's time to relax, recharge and restore. Getting regular, deep sleep will provide a sustainable foundation for good moods and high energy so you can handle whatever the elves put on your to-do list.