Stress-Free Holidays!

The Holidays are a fun time of the year full of parties and celebrations, but it is not always so full of joy. The stress of preparing for holidays, trying to eat healthy, being worried about gaining weight, shopping for gifts, traveling, wrapping gifts and having money for the gifts. It can be a tough time to be stress-free. This season calls for a proactive approach to de-stress. I made a short list of things to try to help you this holiday season.

1. Breathe. Just take a deep breathe. Count your inhalations and exhalations
   
2. Stretch. One quick stretch can help you to think more clearly. It  does not have to be a long process just one stretch you can do while sitting to when you get up to go to the bathroom can help you body not be under physical stress and help you to stay less mentally stressed.
3. Write a Bible verse. Just simply write out a Bible verse. It could be any verse but just copy it into your own handwriting.
4. Bible Journaling. Draw something inspired by a verse you just read. Get your markers, pens, pencils or paint out and just try it. Make a swirl. Write out the verse in a different font. Make a picture representation about how the verse makes you feel.
5. Coloring Book. Get Artistic. Draw in a devotional book. take your child's color book. Print out coloring pages. Go free hand. Make a craft. One warning though is you do not have to make it perfect. It does not need to be instagram worthy,
6. Drink Water. Studies have found a correlation between water and stress reduction. They found that dehydration can increase levels of cortisol,  the stress hormone. Meaning that water bottle had another reason to be your travel buddy this holiday season.
7. Taking a Bath. Taking a bath can feel so luxurious. It is something most people do not do regularly, but you may want to make room for a bath. It does not have to be a huge ordeal, just an extra couple of minutes to breathe. It can help you focus on what is important and be a good reminder of the true meaning of the holiday season and make room to hear from God.
8. Schedule reminders. Set alarm on your phone to breathe, walk, read, stretch, drink water, eat. I feel so silly writing this list because most of these things are automatic functions, yet during the holiday season a reminder to breathe may make all the difference. You may have something different you need to a friendly reminder during the day, but just a little prompt that reminds you to “breathe <3” may be enough.
9. Read the Bible. Whether it is one verse, a chapter or a book open it up. If you have not already download a Bible App so it is always with you. You can set it so it remind you, this may be useful if you have a tendency to get stressed at a similar time of the day.
10. Hand your worries to God. make it a practice to hand everything to God. You could have it be a hand motion to represent hand over your burdens to God that you can do anywhere. Acknowledging God and trusting Him is the only way you can have a lasting peace and really give up your stress.
11. Keep your favorite verses handy. have them as a pinned note on your phone. Set a reminder on your phone that says a bible verse. Have them on your computer screen. Make post it notes and put them around the house. Make your own post it Christmas tree of bible verses.
12. Get a de-stress, worry-free buddy. Someone who will read a bible verse to you or help steer you to God and away from stress.This person could be someone who reminds you to breath and take a step back or someone who will pray for you to hand your burdens, and worries over to God.
13. Pray. Spend some time with God.  Listen to Him. Saw a prayer of thanksgiving.  Ask for forgiveness,  and repent if you are veering from Him. Do intercessory prayer and pray for others.
14. Worship. Have fun with it! Put on your favorite song of the moment and sing, dance, play, laugh. Just let loose and enjoy God! Make up your own song. Make up your own dance. Use props. The possibilities are endless, but it will keep you focus on God and His perfect goodness.

This is only a short list I know lots of you have favorite hobbies and techniques to be worry free so please share them in the comments! Remember these techniques are not about putting band-aids on things, but helping you to change your perspective. Things can be crazy, but God is in control and like a little child you can relax and play because God has every little detail! <3

I pray you have a stress-free, fun, grace-filled holiday season!
<3 Jessica Hoeffner