The holidays are finally upon us! While excitement is in the air, the hustle and bustle of the holiday season can easily become stressful. Whether it’s planning a family gathering or shopping the best deals of Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or Giving Tuesday, you’re bound to feel a little overwhelmed.
At Dunrovin, we host tons of retreats and group gatherings that are held as refocusing and relaxation tools, so we know a bit about how to de-stress! Here are some easy tips on how to make your holiday season a little less stressful and even more enjoyable:
Schedule “down-time”
If your life is scheduled to the nines and you feel like you never relax, here’s an easy way to make sure that you do: schedule it in! It’s easy to be constantly on the go during the holidays, so writing down when you’re going to take a break can help you actually take a break. Set aside a block of “down-time” and stick to it – no matter how busy you are, it’s crucial that you take a mini-hiatus every once in a while.
Pick up a hobby
Whether it’s meditating or painting-by-numbers, finding a relaxing hobby can be a great way to relieve stress during the holidays. Not sure what to do? Studies show that coloring – even as an adult – can do wonders in combating stress and boosting creativity. Grab some crayons, print out some coloring pages, and get to work!
Take a hike 
Physical activity does wonders for not only the body, but also the mind. Go on a walk, cross-country ski, or play with a pet in the snow! Weather holding you back? Yoga and Pilates are especially great for relaxation and improving your mind-body connection, and you can practice indoors. Get some endorphins flowing and before you know it you’ll be feeling better than ever.
Count your blessings
During the holiday season it is easy to lose sight of the “big picture” and what goes along with it. Our lives are fast-paced, busy, and stressful by nature – it’s easy to forget that we are blessed in many ways. Whatever your situation may be, it’s helpful to take a step back during these hectic few months and count your blessings.
Dunrovin Christian Brothers Retreat Center wishes you a happy, healthy and safe holiday season!