Holi: Tips to stay energised, overcome stress post festive season

New Delhi: It's that time of the season again, everyone - old and young - is excited to spread colours of happiness, joy and peace.

Our country, India, is a land of diverse cultures and festivities. Festivals form an eternal part of our lives. Be they religious, national, harvest or seasonal, the people of our country exhibit the true essence of joy, celebration, spirit, passion and togetherness.

One such festival that adds vibrant hues to our lives is the Holi – the festival of colours. This lively celebration is the festival of love and sharing. The day when all meet, laugh, play and forget all enmities, embracing each other in peace and harmony.

Everyone participates whole-heartedly, with great excitement, on this joyous occasion. However, the vigour and momentum of the fiesta transfers to each and every individual, thereby leaving them tired and drained out at the end of the day.

With the festive zeal gaining control over everyone, there is ‘No Time’ to rest or to rejuvenate. Among the whole lot of people, our little children are the most excited during the celebrations.

As a result, this festival brings about fatigue and stress, which if not dealt with effectiveness, would eventually lead to a lot of pressure and anxiety, especially for our little children.

Mrs Meenal Arora, Executive Director of SHEMROCK Preschools & the Founder Director of SHEMFORD Futuristic Schools, suggests some tips to invigorate and revitalise yourselves as well as the little ones, post Holi celebration.

Plan and organise for the aftertime

Children are excited during festive seasons as they get to meet & interact with their friends and family. With the festive season getting over, we all tend to move back to our regular mundane routines, but not our children. They tend to get lonely and depressed as they start missing their friends & relatives. Rather than forcing them to get back into their routines immediately, parents should plan ways to bring them slowly into their schedules. They should try to spend some concrete time with them by involving them in some leisure activities as little play, light dance, book reading, etc. Arranging a get together of their friends is also a very effective way of easing them from the pain of separation.

Eat healthy

Proper nutrition is very important to overcome stress, especially for children during the festive season. The best diet to help children handle stress is the right and balanced amount of calories to maintain normal development. Help them avoid over-consumption of junk foods, beverages and sweets during the festival. Reduce sugar intake for children as it would raise their sugar levels and make them hyperactive. Make them consume healthy and nutritious food as much as possible.

Rest and good sleep

Sleep is an integral part of our life. To keep mind fresh and active, an appropriate amount of sleep is a must. Sleep not only helps a person relax, it also rejuvenates and refreshes the mind, thereby making the person active for next day’s work. Make children sleep at the right time to ensure their sound health. A good night’s sleep of around 8-10 hours will work wonders in their activity & disposition.

Regular breaks

After the busy festive season, children are in no mood to spend time on studies or other tasks of importance as the festive spirit has taken a hold on them. In this case, breaking up study sessions is a great idea. Segregate time for study as well as play, rest as well as learning. Moreover, the breaks that the child gets would help in revitalising and energising him.

Above all, radiate love and affection always, and extend the required support to help your child. Doing this will help adjust back to her everyday routine.