Managing Your Stress Levels During the Holidays

Keeping Your Spirits Bright

Although the holiday season can be jolly and bright, it can also be a source of stress for many. When you’re struggling with addiction or your mental health, the pressure of the season’s festivities can trigger distressing emotions and have the potential to lead to relapsing. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways that you can keep your emotions in check during this time of year.

Try Exercising

Exercising isn’t just an excellent way to stay in shape, it also helps to manage stress levels and ease distressing emotions like anxiety and depression. In fact, aerobic exercise helps to decrease the levels of stress hormones like cortisol in your body. It also releases endorphins into your body, leaving you feeling more refreshed and optimistic.

Catch Up on Your Rest

When you’re feeling sleep deprived, it puts your body’s stress response into overdrive. Going without the recommended 7 to 9 hours of rest each night actually causes your body to produce more stress hormones, leaving you at a higher risk for distressing emotions like anxiety and depression. When you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, try to catch up on your rest each night to allow your body to recharge and relax.

Keep a Journal

Similar to talking to someone you trust about your feelings, keeping a journal can actually help you to feel better when you’re overwhelmed. Whether you want to work through your feelings or get out frustrating thoughts, writing them down can be a cathartic experience.

Remember the Reason for the Season

Aside from the holiday festivities and gifts, take a moment to be present and remember the reason for the season. The holidays are meant to be a time of love, togetherness, and gratitude. Be patient with yourself; remember that you’re strong, doing your best and that you’ve already come so far!

Seeking Help at The Good Life Treatment Center

At The Good Life Treatment Center, we’re a different kind of treatment center—we believe in the treatment and recovery of the body, mind, and spirit. We’re committed to working with you to help remove the burdens of shame and guilt that addiction so often brings. We think there’s a better, freer way, to live life.

To learn more about The Good Life Treatment Center, (561) 250-8552 today!