It’s funny, a lot of people think of the holiday season as a beautiful, fun and relaxing experience. In reality, it’s often the most stressful time of the year. Spending tons of money on gifts, travelling for days at a time, preparing huge amounts of food, tons of cleaning… The list goes on.
It’s no wonder that we often end up getting very, very stressed out around the holidays. But it’s all going to be okay. Let us help you out — here are our 10 tips for a stress-free holiday.
10 Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday
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1. Buy Gifts. Now.
No, for real. This is something that everybody has been telling you for years, but you still wait until December 22nd to start looking. Shipping will cost you a million dollars and that’s if UPS even delivers it to you on time. The whole debacle can be avoided. Buy gifts now. Go. Stop reading this article and go.
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2. Take More Naps
One of the biggest causes of stress is lack of sleep. Unfortunately, injecting caffeine into your veins as though it were gasoline for humans doesn’t actually solve the problems that are associated with the fact that you go to bed at 2 a.m. Solution? Sleep more throughout the day!
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3. Go See an Old Movie
Most cities, big and small, have a theater that shows old movies. We suggest that you take a look at their lineup and schedule yourself to go see the most nostalgic movie they’re showing. Drag some friends along and spend some time feeling like a kid again.
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4. Rock a Beard
This one might be tougher (depending on your line of work), but, if you have the opportunity, grow out a beard! Nothing keeps you warmer during the chilly season than some nicely groomed facial hair. It’ll also save you about 20 minutes every morning.
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5. Take a Few Days to Yourself
Take some time off. We don’t mean that you should take some time off for the holidays to go visit your family or your friends. No, take a Wednesday off and just chill. Stay home. Play through your favorite video game. No regrets about not being productive or getting stuff done.
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6. Listen to Your Favorite Album
You’re probably thinking, “I listen to my favorite album all the time!” And that’s probably true, but we don’t really consider streaming a song on Spotify while you’re working on something else “listening.” When was the last time that you actually sat down and listened to some music? You should try it. It’s pretty relaxing.
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7. Build a Model Car...or Place...or U.S.S. Enterprise
Remember when you were a kid and you’d get so excited when you found that awesome model TIE Fighter? Or that super cool stealth bomber with the sweet decals? Why not relive that moment? Go to your local hobby store and grab a model and some glue. Come home, throw on some sports and get to work.
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8. Hit the Gym
We’re past summer and headed into the days when the sun sets at 3 p.m. This is when the majority of guys start to neglect their gym-going ways. But this is the worst time to stop frequenting the gym! Nothing kills stress like endorphins, and the only way to get those puppies is to start throwing around weights. So get to it!
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9. Drink Some Hot Chocolate...Maybe With Some Rum In It
Ahhh, hot chocolate. The magically delicious drink that’s not quite dessert, but tastes like it should be. Try some, and don’t load it up with coffee or vitamins or whatever. Well, maybe throw in some rum. But that’s it!
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10. Do Some Charity Work
This one might be a little daunting for some of you, but, trust us, it’s a great feeling to help other people. So look up your local soup kitchen and go help the less fortunate. Put things in perspective and meet some good people.
