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Health & Fitness

Overcoming the Post Holiday Blues

 Sometimes the golden key to overcoming the holiday blues is just to remind yourself to relax.  Relax? Your thinking that’s the problem I can’t relax! That is because most people don’t know how to begin the process. First, put down the holiday decorations you were about to put away and pull up a chair.

 The holidays are full of an overwhelming amount of stress as we all do our best to keep the merrymaking going and provide care to our loved ones. As a caregiver, it can be a whirlwind of a season and it can be difficult to detach.

 Getting over the stress of the holidays can take time, but most importantly it takes dedication to a set plan and goal: To be happy, healthy and not commit to more than you are capable of.  It is also important to not neglect your caregiving duties and spend time with your loved one. However, there are ways to keep the mood light and peaceful.

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 There are a few different ways you can approach distressing; one is simple, mood lighting. Lighting candles in your loved one’s apartment or even softly lit holiday lights not only bring in a nice aroma, it refreshes the body and mind. Try it while you bake treats, read a book to them, or clean their space. That combined with good music, can help calm nearly anyone.

 Next is allowing time for yourself and only yourself. You need time to just be alone and find some inner peace. One way to help this process is through some basic meditation. Pick a location you feel complete comfort, outside or inside, and leave some time in your schedule for meditation. Not only does it feel nice to focus on your breathing, but also it helps to calm the overactive brain.

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 The final step can be the most difficult, and that is beginning to delegate some of your responsibilities.  However, what you will soon realize is that there are many family, friends, and neighbors who are more than willing to lend you a helping hand. It is natural especially during the holidays to have the “do it all” mentality, but you will feel much better once things are lifted from your shoulders.

 Here is a helpful guide to further pursue these three helpful tips to relaxing after the holidays.

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