Holiday Stress Management Tips: Breathe Easier with Aylo Health

The holiday season is meant to be a time of joy, but for many, it brings along stress and the feeling of being overwhelmed. Don’t worry—we have some simple and effective tips to help you manage that holiday stress and take better care of yourself during the busiest time of year.

Try Breathing Exercises

One of the simplest ways to combat stress is through controlled breathing.

Controlled breathing reduces stress by calming the nervous system and activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which lowers stress hormones, blood pressure, and muscle tension. It also tricks your brain into feeling calm by regulating your breathing pattern.

Try this exercise to feel calmer:

• Inhale for 4 seconds
• Hold for 4 seconds
• Exhale for 4 seconds
• Repeat this cycle 3 times to reduce stress and tension.

Set Boundaries and Say ‘No’

It’s easy to overcommit during the holidays, but setting healthy boundaries is essential for your well-being. Don’t be afraid to say ‘no’ to extra obligations and ‘yes’ to taking care of yourself.

Stack Family Time with Physical Activity

You can manage stress by incorporating movement into your holiday routine. Try taking a long walk with your family after a big holiday meal. It’s a great way to balance bonding time with light physical activity, keeping you active and reducing stress. This is also a way to productivity stack which involves incorporating 2 or more tasks into a single activity.

Take Care of Yourself this Season

Don’t forget that Aylo Health is here to support you through the holidays. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or need extra care, we’re open late and on weekends to make sure you stay healthy and stress-free.