9 Tips to Help You Relax During The Holidays November 26, 2014

Hello friends, tomorrow is the big day, Thanksgiving, the official start of the 2014 Holiday Season!

If you are beginning to feel anxious, overwhelmed and stressed, check out these 9 tips that will help you to relax during the holidays:

1. Exercise

Exercise affects a neurotransmitter that has an antidepressant-like effect on your brain while helping to decrease muscle tension.

2. Spend Time in Nature

Even five minutes in nature can help reduce stress and boost your mood, helping you to relax.

3. Participate in Activities You Enjoy

Be sure to leave time for the holiday activities you love most, whether it’s caroling, decorating your Christmas tree, or writing holiday cards.

4. Stay Positive

Those who are optimistic have an easier time dealing with stress, and are more inclined to open themselves up for opportunities to have positive, regenerative experiences.

5. Take a Break or Meditate

Taking even 10 minutes to sit quietly and shut out the chaos around you can trigger your relaxation response.⁵Meditating during your breaks can help you to decrease feelings of stress and anxiety even more.

6. Live in the Present

Turn off your racing mind and simply focus on only the task at hand. Avoid worrying about what you need to do later in the day or tomorrow (if you have trouble shutting out such thoughts, jot them down on a piece of paper to help clear your mind).

7. Nurture Yourself

Try massage, a hot bath, mini-relaxations, or a quick walk to ease tension. Be sure you’re eating right, sleeping well and laughing often.

8. Be Grateful

Focus on what you’re grateful for. Keep a gratitude journal and write down why you’re grateful each day. Focus on what you do have this holiday season instead of what you don’t.

9. Use Visualization

Close your eyes and imagine yourself relaxing on the beach or sitting in front of a cozy fireplace with your family. You can also visualize your “perfect” holiday, which is especially useful if you’re worrying over what might go wrong. (Although, you should let go of the idea that your holiday must be perfect in order to be enjoyable.)

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!