Tips for Managing Your Anxiety Throughout the Holidays
The holiday season tends to come with a whole new level of stress and emotions, but does it really have to? Unfortunately, one of the most common emotions people feel around the holidays is anxiety.
The worry of seeing a family member, the rush of getting the perfect gift, the extra long traffic wait, the financial burden and buyer’s remorse that can come with gift giving, the expectation of traditional holiday meals and falling off the “bandwagon” are just a few of the most common triggers for anxiety around the holidays.
Although many triggers are inevitable, it is important to acknowledge that your perception and actions during these situations can change the outcome of your emotions, such as anxiety.
Before you allow the rush of worry, disappointment or failure to arise, resulting in anxious thought patterns, here are a few of my top tips for managing your anxiety around eating throughout the holidays:
- First and foremost, there is no such thing as a wellness bandwagon. We are on our own journey of health and wellness which is uniquely individualized. You don’t hop on in January and hop off during the holidays. You are on it for good!
- Be mindful. Rather than wrestling with guilt, if you decide to indulge in your grandmother’s delicious butter tarts, enjoy every bite while remaining mindful of the taste, texture, smell and potentially the memories associated with this special treat.
- Bring something you would make for yourself to boost your nutritional levels, like a salad or roasted veggies. Not only does this allow you to get a balance of nutritious and your favourite holiday foods, it will inspire others around you to boost their nutrients too. Explore our blog for awesome Christmas recipes!
- 80/20 rule. If you are staying committed to your health and wellness goals during the week and really focusing on providing the body with proper nourishment 80% of the time, appreciate and indulge the other 20% without any guilt! This helps to build a healthy and balanced relationship with your food.
- Do not fall into the perspective of “earning your” food. The mind game of “I can eat this cake, IF I run it off later” can create an unhealthy relationship with food and your conscience.
- Do not push your limits for the pleasure of others. Rather than pleasing every extended family member by agreeing to another baked good, glass of alcohol or plate of turkey, be honest and politely decline.
- Lastly, the most important tip for reducing anxious feelings around the holidays is to take time everyday for you. This is so important to allow your mind, body and soul to reset and recharge before your next interaction with friends and family. Whether you take time in the morning to journal and mediate, go to a yoga class or for a walk, or even sitting on the couch with Christmas music in the background, a tea in your hand and gazing at the lights on your Christmas tree.
Wishing you a safe, happy, healthy and balanced holiday!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
MARISSA LAUGHLIN
REGISTERED HOLISTIC NUTRITIONIST
Inspiring a balanced lifestyle through holistic nutrition, yoga + meditation
Our own Kawartha Lakes Honey has three different types: buckwheat, wildflower and clover.
Let's get into all the different benefits that thee honeys have.
We are going to break down what Manuka Honey is, how it can benefit you and go very deep into the details on the differences between the products we carry.
The cold weather is here, which means you should stock up on all the necessary supplements you need so you can stay healthy even when it gets ugly outside.
The start of a new year can come with a lot of pressure to reset, overhaul, and become a 'better' version of yourself overnight. Traditional New Years' resolutions can feel motivating at first, but can quickly become overwhelming and restricting. Did you know that 88% of people fail their resolution within the first 2 weeks? It makes us wonder why. And we think that it's because they are rooted in an all-or-nothing mindset that doesn't leave room for life's unpredictability. And our resolutions are often things we think we SHOULD do (because of pressure from others, societal standards, etc.) and not things that we actually VALUE. It’s important to ensure you are enhancing your wellness in harmony with your surroundings and your reality. At Jo Anne's Place, we believe the new year is less about drastic change and more about gentle intention. A holistic approach to the new year invited you to build healthy habits that support your body, mind, and lifestyle at a pace that feels sustainable for you. Rather than chasing resolutions, this is an opportunity to tune in, reflect, and choose practices that truly support your long-term wellbeing. If setting goals is your thing, we support that! Just remember to keep them realistic and grounded in your values. If setting resolutions isn't for you, here are some gentler ways to step into the new year:
Feeling the Holiday pressure? In the midst of Winter’s chill and the Holiday rush, your own well-being deserves space to breathe. The natural world around us is slowing down, so why shouldn’t we? Winter invites us to turn inward, and it is especially important to support your mental health during these longer, darker days. Did you know that we, as Canadians, are more prone to Seasonal Affective Disorder due to our northern latitude, which results in less sunlight during the winter? The Holiday season can be equal parts joyful and overwhelming. Schedules get busy, routines slip, and we're surrounded by comfort foods and sweet treats. Between gatherings, travel, and to-do lists, our well-being can take a back seat. Here are some simple tips to keep you grounded, nourished, and feeling your best throughout the season: *These suggestions are not intended to replace appropriate professional advice. Please check labels for contraindications and check with your pharmacist if you are on prescription drugs. These suggestions are based on over 40 years of customer experience at Jo Anne’s Place.
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!
Halloween is coming up quick! This year, Halloween is on a Friday, which means lots of fun!
This year, Thanksgiving weekend is from Friday, October 10th to Monday, October 13th. Canadian Thanksgiving is always celebrated on the second Monday of October.
Happy Thanksgiving! Looking to switch it up and try some new recipes this year? Here is a roundup of recipes, many of which are vegan and gluten-free so you can create a holiday meal fit for all!
Discover the best foods for hair growth. Boost shine, strength, and thickness naturally with nutrient-rich options that support healthy hair.