Tips for a less stressed December

From yours truly.

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In a Nutshell Happy December, friends! Is "happy" the right word? I don't know. Between prepping for the holidays, tying up loose ends before the ball drops, and everything else I won't list here, this month is always really stressful for me. With the help of my therapist and some lifestyle changes, I've finally found ways to reduce the chaos and avoid losing my mind. Below, I share how I do it, which I hope can help you, too. Before we dive in, here are some stories to bookmark for later: • Got smelly farts? Here's why and what to do about it • Can ice cream really relieve a sore throat? • Surprising risks of working out after you drink alcohol Be well, Morgan Mandriota Newsletter Editor, Healthline

Written by Morgan Mandriota December 4, 2023 • 4 min read

what's got us buzzing This one goes out to my fellow "bah humbugs" 😬 I'm chronically stressed, especially in December. To me, it's definitely *not* the most wonderful time of the year. (And no, I will not just "brighten up," so please stop asking.) I've always struggled to enjoy the holidays. I also put heavy pressure on myself to kick off midnight on Jan. 1 with all my ducks in a perfect row or else I'm convinced my new year will be doomed. (Why am I like this?) 💖️ How I keep my stress in check. So many things contribute to my stress every December –– family drama, frequent traveling, financial woes, you name it. But I'm happy to say I've finally got a decent hold on it. Here's what I do to protect my mind, body, spirit, and wallet: I don't force myself to celebrate or be merry. I used to beat myself up for being a grinch. Not anymore! Now, I feel my feels and give myself grace. I'll also skip festivities to sit by the water, go for a walk, or cuddle my cat. I set clear expectations around gifts. I tell my family I'm only buying presents for the kids to reduce financial stress. I also ask them not to buy me anything so I don't feel guilty about receiving without giving. I plan my workload far in advance. Special shout-out to Kenny who received approximately 3,458,512 anxious Slack messages about my end of year work plans. I set aside *a ton* of alone time. My social battery is low as it is. With constant events and travels, I make sure to buffer all plans with enough time to decompress, journal through the overwhelm, or take a break in another room while I'm out. I lean on my support team. I'm endlessly grateful for my therapist (and extra therapy sessions). I also talk things out with my partner, friends, family, and other loved ones instead of pretending I can handle it all myself. 🎁 More tips for making this the Season of Self-Care. What works for me may not work for you, and that's OK! No matter what you're going through, these resources can help you get through December a little easier: Tips for navigating the holiday season while grieving How to celebrate through disordered eating recovery 14 self-care gifts to help you unwind Ways to thrive during the holidays with your chosen family Your guide to creating and maintaining boundaries 💌 Chime in: How do you reduce stress in December? Share your tips with us by emailing wellnesswire@healthline.com.

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health stories you need What we're reading next 💅 What these fingernail signs say about your health. Notice ridges or peeling? Find out what your nails are telling you and how to respond. 🦷 8 worst foods for your teeth. I can't believe bread is on this list. 🌱 9 benefits and uses of oregano oil. My sister-in-law swears by it for relieving congestion. ✨ Skin care tips for menopause and beyond. Dermatologists share how to take care of your skin and ease potential issues during "The Change."

Thanks for reading! Kenny and Ginger will be stepping in for me over the next 2 weeks as I go on another vacation. (Yes, this is part of my end-of-year plan to de-stress.) I'll catch you all again soon. 👋

Until next time, Take care of yourself, and we'll see you again soon!     This edition was powered by time to relax.   View in browser Did a friend send you this email? Subscribe here. To see all newsletters, click here. Privacy    |    Unsubscribe Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional. Healthline is owned by RVO Health. © 2023 Healthline Media LLC 275 7th Ave., 24th Floor New York, NY 10001