The holiday season is upon us, and along with it come glad tidings, great food, and time spent with family & friends. Unfortunately, one unforeseen effect of the holiday season is the added stress that it can cause. Making sure the house is spotless, the food is perfect, and the presents are wrapped and ready to be opened can be overwhelming. Add in emotions surrounding family and relationships, and this time of year can quickly go from merry and bright to gloomy and sad.

All this extra stress not only takes an emotional toll but a physical one as well. Anxiety, loss of appetite, fatigue, trouble sleeping, headaches, dizziness, high blood pressure, and hair loss are just some of the common signs and symptoms of stress.

Today we’re sharing some simple tips to help you manage stress and enjoy the months ahead.

 Plan ahead.

This is a busy time of year and it’s inevitable that some commitments will end up on the same day. Don’t try to pack too much in; give yourself permission to “no”. If you are hosting, ask friends and family to pitch in.

Set a budget.

The holidays can be expensive. Make a budget and stick to it. Spending money on your loved ones is important, but it’s also important to pay your bills. Don’t buy gifts that you’ll be paying off well into next year.

Create a relaxing environment.

Dim the lights, light some candles, and turn on some music. Create opportunities for some much needed down time. Try to sneak in some outdoor time, especially on sunny days. Vitamin D is always a happiness booster.

Maintain healthy habits.

The holidays are notorious for ruining healthy habits. A short workout or walk each morning will help your decision-making throughout the day. Encourage your family to try snow shoeing or sledding to get in extra exercise. Eat healthy snacks like fresh fruit or vegetables throughout the season. Get plenty of sleep and don’t forget to hydrate.

Share your feelings.

Spending a holidays after the loss of a loved one can be difficult. Accept your feelings and open up about them to others. It may make you feel better to share. If the usual holiday traditions are just too difficult to continue right now, switch things up to ease the loss.

Respect differences.

We all have different viewpoints, and those differences can take center stage this time of year. Try your best to focus on similarities and the things that are truly important. And if you can’t, create healthy boundaries with those you simply cannot get along with.

Be realistic.

You are only one person, and there is only so much you can do. Be realistic with how much you can handle this season. Forget about making sure everything is perfect and focus on being present with those who matter most.

Take a break.

Don’t ignore about your own needs. This may be difficult, especially if you are used to putting the needs of others above your own. But it’s important to take care of yourself. Take a nap, go for a walk, take a bath, watch a movie, or read a book. Leave time to do something that brings you peace and joy.

While the holidays can certainly be a factor in hair loss, there are other triggers that can cause it as well. If you’re concerned about increased thinning or loss, call DiStefano Hair Restoration Center today to schedule a free consultation. We specialize in the latest hair restoration procedures so that you can confidently do the things you enjoy, without worry, and all year long.