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Well, the holidays are upon us and the stress is mounting. So, what can you do to keep stress level to a minimum and fun and enjoyment to a maximum?
1.Positive Speaking
Even when you are really feeling stressed to the max, try to speak in a positive way. If your words are joyful and uplifting, you will raise the spirits of all around you. Remember, your body reacts to negativity, positive speaking is good for you too!
2.Pace Yourself
If you are rushing around to fit in visiting everyone, just remember to schedule a little down time for yourself. Take a quick cat-nap, even 15 minutes can make a big difference.
3.Indulge Without Guilt
One of the great pleasures of the holidays is enjoying some indulgent eating and drinking. So, don’t feel guilty and stress about it, just balance the extra sugar, fat and alcohol with some healthier pick-me-ups like an antioxidant packed smoothie and drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
4.Get Some Fresh Air
Sometimes a quick walk around the block is just enough to wake you up and make you feel refreshed. A little crisp cool air and a still dark sky can be calming. Walk the dog if you have one!
5.Be In The Moment
Make sure you enjoy what is going on every minute. Don’t worry about what you have to do, it will be there waiting for you. But the people who are important to you are not around all the time – savor every moment and build memories to look back on all next year.
6.Let Everyone Help
So you have all your best laid plans, but time is running out, then enlist some help. Your guests will love to be involved and it will make them feel more a part of the party. Remember it’s all about enjoying it, not about doing it all!
7.Laugh It Off
Maintain a sense of humor because the one thing you can be sure of is something will go wrong. The “biggest disasters” turn into the best holiday stories – treasured memories that you talk about year after year. When you are laughing you are not stressed, laughter is the best medicine.
8.Sniff An Orange
Researchers studying depression have found that certain citrus fragrances boost feelings of well-being and alleviate stress by upping levels of norepinephrine, a hormone that affects mood. For an all-day pick-me-up, dab a little orange or lemon essential oil on a handkerchief to tuck in your pocket.
9.Go Tech-Free
Cell phones buzzing and constant email alerts keep us in a perpetual fight-or-flight mode due to bursts of adrenaline. Not only is this exhausting, but it contributes to mounting stress levels. What better time to turn your gadgets off than during a holiday get-together? Enjoy spending time with your family and friends without worry.
10.Turn On The Music
Feeling anxious? Just listen to your favorite music, whether it is research from the University of Maryland shows that hearing music you love can relax blood vessels and increase blood flow. That not only calms you down but is good for your heart, too
Whatever you do to de-stress, above all, enjoy the holidays!
