As much fun as the holiday season is, there is no denying it can also be stressful. Crowded stores, heavy traffic, and attempting to make plans that fit the whole family’s schedule can be a bit of a headache, so this week Nick wanted to share what he has been doing to help him unwind and de-stress.

One of Nick’s favorite ways to relax and take his mind off of his long holiday to-do list is to get some fresh air and see some friends. Last weekend, Nick met up with his friends Taylor, Peyton, and Peyton’s son, Graham, who Nick affectionately calls “Baby Graham Cracker.” Colorado has been blessed with some lovely weather this season, and spending time outdoors laughing with friends is always a good way to warm the heart.

Another one of Nick’s favorite ways to clear his head is to watch one of his favorite funny movies!

Nick has quite the movie collection to choose from, and this week he chose a classic, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. His favorite part is the creepy child catcher with the big nose. It always makes him laugh! Nick still uses VHS tapes because he is able to grip them in his hands, as well as work the controls by himself on his TV without having to rely on anyone else.

A tried and true way to let go of your worries and have a little fun is to listen to your favorite music! Nick spends most of his evenings at home listening to music or sermons in his room, and he likes using tapes because he is able to change them and fast forward them without needing any help. This lets Nick have some much needed alone time to decompress after a long day.

If you’re looking for a good anxiety relieving activity for the whole family, try making some slime! Kids love playing with slime, and it is a good sensory tool for adults as well. Making slime engages all your senses, and helps you focus on what you’re doing instead of focusing on your worries. And, its just plain fun to mess with!

Nick made some sparkly purple slime with Liz earlier this week, and squishing and squeezing the slime helps Nick calm down whenever he feels overwhelmed. Nick bought a kit with all the supplies he needed, but you can also look online for some homemade slime recipes.

Nick hopes this post gives you some ideas for decompressing this season. Taking care of your mental health during the holiday season is extremely important, and it is much easier to have fun when you don’t feel overwhelmed.

What do you usually do to relax during the holidays? Let us know in the comments!