by Cori Leigh | Dec 20, 2024 | Christmas, Journey From Anxiety to Peace, Stress
The holiday season is here. We decorate our homes with care, fill our schedules with celebrations, and shop for thoughtful gifts. Everything looks festive, and we can feel the magic of the season all around.
However, it’s also a busy time of year, and for many people around the world, it can be a source of stress. Increased anxiety, depression, loneliness, grief and even illness can overshadow the joy of Christmas. For those who have lost a loved one or are feeling isolated, the holidays can be especially difficult.
As we rush to complete our never-ending to-do lists, the pressure to make the holidays perfect can leave us feeling drained. Often, self-care slips down the list of priorities. But taking care of ourselves is essential, and it’s possible to do so—even during the busiest of seasons.
In this post, I’m sharing self-care ideas that will help you reclaim the holiday spirit and give yourself the gift of peace, joy, and health.
Simplify Your Christmas
The best gift you can give yourself this Christmas is simplicity. We all want to create beautiful memories for our loved ones. We build on stress when we overextend ourselves physically, emotionally, and financially.
By simplifying your holiday plans, you’ll reduce stress and avoid burnout. Prioritize what matters most and make space to enjoy the season with family and friends without the weight of unrealistic expectations.
Boost Your Immune System
The holiday season can take a toll on our health, but focusing on nourishing your body can help you stay strong and vibrant throughout the festivities. Here are some key self-care habits to support your immune system and overall well-being:
- Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of rest each night. Sleep is essential for maintaining energy and resilience.
- Healthy Meals: Incorporate plenty of fruits and vegetables into your daily meals to nourish your body.
- Vitamins: Take a daily vitamin supplement to ensure you’re getting the nutrients you need for immune support.
- Prayer and Meditation: Set aside time before bed for prayer or meditation to calm your mind and release any stress.
- Naps: If possible, take short naps during the day to recharge.
By incorporating these habits into your routine, you’ll support both your physical and mental health, setting the stage for a peaceful and joyful holiday season.
Moments of Quiet Time
Taking time for yourself may feel impossible amidst the holiday rush, but it’s essential for restoring balance and reducing stress. Making space for quiet moments doesn’t require hours—just a few minutes can make a world of difference.
- Find a quiet spot, like your bedroom, where you can pause and breathe deeply.
- Lie down, close your eyes, and focus on the present moment—leave behind the “to-do” list.
- Even just 15-30 minutes of solitude can help clear your mind and ease stress.
- Use this time to journal your thoughts or practice relaxation breathing (belly breathing) to calm your nervous system.
These moments of self-care will help you center yourself and regain energy to enjoy the season.
Pamper Yourself a Little
Self-care doesn’t have to be extravagant to be effective. Treating yourself to small moments of pampering can help you unwind and rejuvenate.
- Take a relaxing bath with soothing scents, light a candle, and enjoy a good book.
- Visit a spa for a massage or facial if it’s in your budget, or enjoy a DIY at-home treatment.
- For me, nothing beats curling up with a cup of hot tea and an aromatherapy candle in the evening. Even my dog loves the peaceful atmosphere!
What’s your favorite way to pamper yourself during the holiday season? Share in the comments!
Give Yourself the Gift of Self-Care
Christmas is meant to be enjoyed, and self-care is the key to unlocking the joy and peace of the season. When you prioritize your health and well-being, you’ll create a holiday experience that’s filled with love, happiness, and calm.
Make this holiday season one of joy and self-compassion. May it be filled with blessings, health, peace, and, of course, moments of self-care. Wishing you a very merry Christmas and a New Year filled with hope and joy!
I’d love to hear from you in the comments:
Will you add yourself to your Christmas list this year and check it twice?
How do you reduce stress and stay healthy throughout the holidays?
by Cori Leigh | Aug 8, 2024 | Journey From Anxiety to Peace, Stress
Anxiety crept in during various challenging seasons of my life. The constant worry about what the future might hold weighed heavily on my heart. I would sometimes wake up in the middle of the night, my mind racing with endless “what ifs.” It wasn’t until I realized how much worry was fueling my anxiety that I began to seek ways to find peace.
Anxiety can take on many forms and intensities. In our fast-paced world, stress and anxiety have become almost synonymous with daily living. Millions of people around the globe struggle with countless burdens and find reasons to worry every day.
We race against the clock, trying to pack so much into our days. In our rush, anxiety and busyness rob us of the joy in the present moment. Life isn’t meant to be a relentless mix of stress, worry, and fear.
We were created for something more—a divine purpose beyond the daily grind. God calls us to cast our cares upon Him, to release our worries about the next second, minute, hour, or years past.
The Universal Reality of Anxiety
Anxiety is widely considered a universal reality today. Several factors contribute to the prevalence of anxiety across different populations:
Modern Lifestyle Pressures
The fast pace of life, constant digital connections, work demands, financial stress, and social pressures all contribute to higher baseline stress and anxiety.
Global Challenges
Events like the COVID-19 pandemic, economic uncertainties, political instability, and climate change have increased feelings of uncertainty and fear, fueling anxiety on a global scale.
Mental Health Awareness
Increased awareness and understanding of mental health issues have led to more people recognizing and acknowledging their experiences with anxiety, which may have been overlooked or stigmatized in the past.
Widespread Stressors
Factors like health concerns, family responsibilities, caregiving, and societal expectations can lead to anxiety across different age groups, cultures, and backgrounds.
While the intensity and manifestation of anxiety may vary from person to person, it is a common experience for many people in today’s world. This doesn’t mean everyone experiences clinical anxiety, but most individuals encounter feelings of anxiety at some point in their lives, whether due to specific stressors or more generalized concerns.
How Worry Feeds Anxiety
Worry is a subtle yet powerful emotion. It often goes unnoticed until it spirals into full-blown anxiety. It starts as a small concern and nagging thought about what could go wrong. When left unchecked, worry can grow, feeding on our fears and insecurities.
Worry and anxiety are closely linked. Worry acts as the fuel that keeps anxiety burning. When we worry, we dwell on potential negative outcomes. We imagine scenarios that may never happen. This constant mental rehearsal of worst-case scenarios keeps our minds on high alert. This triggers the body’s stress response.
The more we worry, the more anxious we become, and the more anxious we become, the more we worry. Breaking this cycle is essential to managing anxiety effectively. By recognizing when worry starts to take over, we can take steps to interrupt the loop and bring our focus back to the present moment.
Letting Go of Control: The Path to True Peace
It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing we must carry life’s burdens alone. Society often promotes self-reliance, urging us to handle everything without asking for help. But the truth is, we’re not alone, and we don’t have to face our struggles by ourselves.
In our own strength, life’s burdens can be overwhelming. Anxiety arises when we try to control everything, believing we are solely responsible for making things work. The weight of our concerns, anxieties, and worries is too heavy to bear alone. This is where faith comes in.
Finding peace in an anxious world requires surrendering our lives and days to God. The world offers no true peace, but in Him, there is a peace that surpasses all understanding—sufficient for today and every day.
Practical Steps to Finding Peace
So, how do we find peace in a world filled with anxiety, stress, and worry? Here are some practical steps that can help:
Pause and Breathe
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to combat anxiety is to pause and breathe. When anxiety starts to take hold, it often causes shallow, rapid breathing, which only increases feelings of panic. Taking a moment to breathe deeply and slowly can help calm both the mind and body.
Practice Deep Breathing
Try this simple exercise: Breathe in slowly for a count of four, hold your breath for a count of four, then exhale slowly for a count of four. Repeat this several times until you feel calmer.
Re-evaluate Your Priorities
In our quest to do it all, we often overcommit ourselves, leading to increased stress and anxiety. It’s important to re-evaluate our priorities.
- Learn to Say No: It’s okay to say no to things that don’t align with your values or that add unnecessary stress to your life. Focus on what truly matters to you.
- Simplify Your Life: Consider ways to simplify your daily routines. This might mean decluttering your home, streamlining your schedule, or reducing screen time. Simplification can reduce the mental load and create more space for peace.
Connect with Others
Anxiety can be isolating, making it easy to feel like you’re going through your struggles alone. But human connection is essential for mental health. Don’t isolate yourself—reach out to others.
- Talk about it: Share your struggles with trusted friends or loved ones. Sometimes just talking about what you’re going through can bring relief and perspective.
- Join a Support Group: Consider joining a support group where you can connect with others dealing with similar challenges. There’s comfort in knowing you’re not alone.
Practice Gratitude
Even on the hardest days, there are things to be thankful for. Cultivating a heart of gratitude can shift your focus from what’s wrong to what’s right in your life. Gratitude has been shown to reduce anxiety and increase overall well-being.
- Keep a Gratitude Journal: Each day, write down three things you’re grateful for. They don’t have to be big things—sometimes, it’s the small blessings that make the biggest difference.
- Express Thanks to Others: Take the time to thank the people in your life who support and care for you. Expressing gratitude can deepen your connections and bring more positivity into your life.
Take Care of Your Body
Our physical health is closely linked to our mental well-being. When we neglect our bodies, we make ourselves more vulnerable to stress and anxiety.
- Nourish Your Body: Eat a balanced diet rich in whole foods. Avoid excessive caffeine and sugar, which can exacerbate anxiety.
- Get Proper Sleep: Lack of sleep can make anxiety worse. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Create a bedtime routine that helps you wind down and prepare for rest.
- Increase Activity: Regular physical activity is a powerful tool against anxiety. Exercise releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood lifters. Even a daily walk can make a difference.
Faith – A Source of Strength and Peace
Spending time in prayer, reading scripture, or sitting in God’s presence provides comfort and peace.
- Daily Devotionals: Set aside time each day for devotionals. Whether it’s reading a passage from the Bible, meditating on a verse, or journaling your thoughts and prayers, this time can help you stay grounded.
- Cast Your Cares on Him: Remember the invitation in 1 Peter 5:7, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” Surrendering your worries to God can lighten your load and bring a sense of peace.
An Invitation to Slow Down
When the going gets tough, God invites us to slow down. To take a deep breath. We’re reminded in Proverbs 3:5-6 to not lean on our understanding but to acknowledge Him in all our ways, and He will direct our paths.
Life is full of day-to-day hassles, hustle, and hurry. Yet, in the midst of it all, there is peace to be found., you’re not alone on this journey. Together, we can navigate life’s challenges and find the peace that God promises—a peace that passes all understanding.
I’d love to hear your thoughts about what helps you stay grounded.
How do you manage to find peace?
How does living in this anxious world affect you?
