Between work, family responsibilities, parties, and gift wrangling, the holidays can be one of the more stressful times of the year. It’s easy to let your own health slide when you’re juggling multiple expectations, but wellness doesn’t have to be a chore. Here are ten simple wellness tips you can put into practice in 15 minutes or less.
Tip 1: Snuggle up
Oxytocin lowers blood pressure, decreases stress hormone levels, and makes us happier overall. For many people, hugging a friend or petting a pet are simple ways to release oxytocin.
Tip 2: Stretch it out
If you tend to hold stress and tension in your muscles after a long day, indulge in some simple stretches after work to create more space in your body and mind.
Tip 3: Throwback jams
Music is powerful. Make a nostalgic playlist of some of your favorite songs, throw on some headphones, and jam out!
Tip 4: Good clean fun
Cleaning reduces stress by combining the effects of exercise, decluttering, and mindfulness. Set a timer for 15 minutes and focus on one small-but-satisfying task, like decluttering your bathroom counter or wiping the baseboards.
Tip 5: Practice “detached concern”
Empathy is good, but there is a point beyond which it can get overwhelming. Know when to hit the “off switch.”
Tip 6: Positive self-talk
Everyone has an inner voice, and it’s not always positive. Self-compassion means softening that inner voice and curbing self-criticism.
Tip 7: Try self-compassion affirmations
Replacing negative self-talk with positive self-talk can be a powerful tool. Try simple statements like, “I’m doing my best every day,” or “My mistakes show that I’m growing.”
Tip 8: Know your limits
You can’t pour from an empty cup. While it may feel like the right thing to give 100% at all times, make sure to reserve time to refresh yourself without external commitments.
Tip 9: Be present
When you find your thoughts drifting back to work during your downtime, take a few moments for a mindfulness meditation.
Tip 10: Call for backup
When we take on too much instead of asking for help, the possibility of burnout increases. In your daily routine, look for tasks you can delegate.
Related: COVID-19, Stress-Relief, and Wellness CE courses for Healthcare Professionals
This article is extracted from Elite’s 2021 Holiday Gift Guide for Healthcare Professionals. With practical wellness tips, special offers, and meaningful deep-dives into issues affecting patients and care-givers, the guide is your go-to professional resource for the holiday season. You can view the content of the guide and sign up for a free download here.
