How to Destress During the Holidays
Start writing a post
Student Life

How to Destress During the Holidays

Shopping and eating and socializing, oh my!

17
How to Destress During the Holidays

We all know the holiday season can be a lot to handle. The malls are crowded, college kids are back at home, and bad drivers are abound. It can be hard to find time or ways to destress, but if you're feeling overwhelmed, try out some of these ideas:

1. Work out.

This is a fairly obvious answer, but it works wonders! Take a walk or ride your bike when you're feeling stressed out and your body will release endorphins, making you happier!

2. Get fro-yo.

Anyone who knows me knows I love getting fro-yo when I'm stressed or want to chat. Without going overboard, eating a little fro-yo can be a fun treat, and it's not as bad for you as ice cream or cake.

3. Hang out with high school friends.

I love seeing my high school friends over breaks and catching up on all that has happened since we've last seen each other. Hearing about all the fun things that have happened in your friends' lives will make you feel less stressed about what's going on in your life.

4. Do something nice for someone else.

Whether this is volunteering or simply helping someone out really quickly, get in the spirit of the holidays and do something nice for someone else. I volunteered the other day for the first time in a while and it felt great. I was happy seeing others so happy from something I did.

5. Make lists of things you need to do.

The best way to lessen stress is to sit down and plan out exactly what you need to do, buy, etc. Then you can cross off each thing one by one as you do them. This is a great way to stay on top of all that you need to do during the holidays.

6. Spend quality time with family.

You may be around your family a lot, but taking time to sit down and do something fun with them is completely different, and can be a huge stress reliever. You can watch a movie together, go out to a nice dinner, or play a game together. Getting everyone together is one of the best parts of the holidays.

7. Start a book.

First, grab a soft blanket. Then grab a book. Then, don't move for 4 hours as you read the book in said blanket. Voila! A cozy way to release stress!

8. Clean your room/house.

Although this seems counterintuitive, cleaning can be extremely cathartic. Help your parents clean the house or organize your things in your room so that there's room for new things in the new year. Also, donate your old clothes to Goodwill or the Salvation Army so that others can wear them and enjoy them just like you did.


The holidays are a wonderful time of giving thanks, being with family, and celebrating life. In our materialistic world, it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of shopping and indulgence, with can lead to stress. Above all, remember what the true meaning of the holidays are, and feel free to do one of the above activities if you are feeling overwhelmed.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58273
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37536
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959159
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

193173
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments