Holidays can be stressful for anyone. Sometimes we need a reminder that it is perfectly okay to take a moment step away from the family if we need it. Here are just a few tips for easy self-help this holiday season.

1. Breathe

I know this seems like a no-brainer but it is easy to forget to really breathe, especially when everything gets overwhelming. Take a few moments, excuse yourself to the bathroom if that is easiest, and just focus on your breathing. You do not have to regulate your breathing or breathe for a certain number of seconds, just focus on your natural breathing. Allow thoughts to come into your mind and then go out but bring your focus back to your breathing.

2. Drink water

Stay hydrated. Irritation, over-eating, so many things can be affected by dehydration so make sure that you are staying hydrated this holiday season. It will make you feel better and will make you stay healthy when all of your family starts getting sick.

3. Sleep

Sleep is such an underrated concept in our current society but so important. Your body needs sleep more than you know and more than I can articulate in this small article. I am sure maintaining a sleep schedule over the holidays is going to be difficult, but at the very least, make sure you are getting adequate amounts of sleep. This can also make you more irritable and can lead to other issues. Go to sleep.

4. Use Essential Oils

I enjoy using essential oils. You can buy them from Amazon, Meijer, pretty much anywhere, and every essential oil is used for something different. Lavender is great for promoting sleep, rose helps anxiety, I could go on. A quick google search can bring up several different brands of oils and can tell you how to use them.

5. Color

Coloring is a proven stress-reliever so if you find yourself in the midst of a stressful situation, grab a coloring book. Many stores now sell adult coloring books so you do not have to use your 5-year-old nieces Barbie Doll coloring book just to relieve stress. Or you could just free-hand draw, or write, whatever creative energy makes you feel best.