10 Tips to Help You De-Stress During the Holidays
Get on your Mark, Get Ready, Get Set Go > this is the week that it all begins!
Thanksgiving preparations, Christmas shopping, then New Year’s Eve celebrations. There may be a nip in the air here in the MidAtlantic Area, but there are also some heated emotions and high anxiety brewing the closer we get to the holidays.
Before you begin to get yourself too stressed, check out these 10 Tips to help you de-stress during the holidays. Leave a few of your own in the comments section as we can all benefit from having a happy and stress-free holiday season.
10 Tips to Help You De-Stress During the Holidays
HOT BATH
Take a bath, add some Epsom salts to help ease aches and pains and to soothe your mind and body. Try using a lavender scent salt which will provide a calming aroma.
SLEEP
Sleep is the most important stress reducer to keep us healthy and relaxed. Don’t let your To-Do list cause you to lose sleep, stay in bed a bit later or go to bed a bit earlier then rise and shine rested and less stressed.
ENJOY THE MOMENT
Slow down and enjoy the little moments around you. Enjoy and appreciate God’s Gifts; a sunrise, a sunset, trees blowing in the wind or snow flakes falling, slow down and enjoy the moment.
SAY NO
Learn to say, “no” and don’t try to attend every meeting or event invite that pops into your email box or on your Facebook timeline.
DECLUTTER
Clear your mind by clearing the clutter from your closet, desk or dresser drawers. Pull out a drawer and sit on the sofa or bed to remove and discard old papers, socks or items that you no longer use. You will feel better the next time you open that drawer and are able to find exactly what you need without digging through the mess.
MEDITATION/DEEP BREATHING
Make and take some time alone to re-center yourself. Sit in a quiet dark corner of your home or apartment or even on the floor of your walk-in closet to pray, mediate and breath deeply.
DANCE
Put on your favorite music then dance or jog in place or run around the house or up and down the steps. Dance like no one is looking to boost your endorphins.
LAUGH
Laughter is a great way to reduce stress hormone levels, leaving you recharged and refocused. Turn on the television, your computer or Tablet and watch re-runs of old shows like “Everyone Loves Raymond”, “I Love Lucy” or “Everybody Hates Chris”
READING
Unplug and give your mind a rest from electronic and digital media then pick up a book or a magazine. Curl up and relax with a good story or a “rag mag” that is for “entertainment purposes only” and enjoy the stress-free read.
SERVE UP FAMILY, FOOD AND FUN
Buffet and Potluck meals are more fun and social than traditional sit-down meals. Ask family and friends to bring a dish and purchase pre-made items to cut down on your time in the kitchen. Let everyone relax and eat as they please then tell some jokes, play games or just catnap the rest of the day away.
How do you reduce stress during the holidays?
Cut down on time and stress in the kitchen with a Jennie-O frozen, No Thaw Turkey. It goes from freezer to oven to perfect on your table!
Disclosure: I am a member of the Jennie-O Switch Circle. All opinions are my own.
