Avoiding the Stress of the Fall Season
By Brandi Goodman
The fall season is the beginning of the most stressful time of year. All of the major holidays are approaching where decorations, treats, and gifts are expected. Do what you can to avoid the stress of the fall season so you can enjoy it more and keep your mental health in check.
Stick to Your Budget
It can be easy to be tempted to purchase more than you know you should spend. Store shelves are filled with decorations and your neighbors are setting up great Halloween displays. You really should be sticking with your budget if you have any hope of keeping your stress to a minimum. Be realistic about what you can buy and choose lower-cost options to help you save. The dollar store has some great decorations too.
Stay Off Social Media
Sometimes, it's not others in our own neighborhoods we try to compete with, but just people we see on social media. You see pictures of extravagant decorations, lavish parties, and tons of money spent and you feel as though you need to do the same. Stay off social media as much as possible throughout the fall and winter months. Focus on fun with your family instead and just enjoy what you do have. Don't compare your life to the pictures others post.
Exercise When You Can
Too many people stop their exercise routine once the fall season arrives. You may feel as though you're too busy with work or school and have too much to accomplish for the holidays. Exercise actually offers great stress relief. Find time to fit it into your schedule so you can clear your mind, de-stress, and get all the other great health benefits physical activity provides. Ten minutes here or there can be just what you need for a boost.
Plan
Making a plan is a great way to rid some of the stress from your life. If you carefully think out your schedule and what it is you need to get done, it can prevent you from feeling rushed and scattered when it comes time to actually remember what it is you're needing to get accomplished. Set a bedtime routine and a wake-up time. Make some meals ahead, or at least write out what you want for dinner each night so you know what you're making.
Just be sure you're scheduling in self-care time to do things you enjoy as well. This could be as simple as reading a book for an hour or watching your favorite fall show.
The fall season and all the holidays that follow shouldn't break the bank. They also shouldn't bring you so much stress that you feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and in poor mental health. Do what you can to stop the stress of the season and actually enjoy it rather than dread it.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Peachtree City, Ga.