Holiday jingles, Christmas crowds, Salvation Army bell ringers and the like, but perhaps the most stressful is the LIST. You know the never ending tabulation of all the things you have to get done in time for the holiday. You’re trying to keep up but eventually…like a broke college student, you just run out of gas.
Don’t fret.
It’s not too late to get some relief. Check out these 8 tips to de-stress during the busy holiday season.
8 Ways To De-stress
1. Laugh
Several studies say that laughter increases blood flow, lowers blood sugar, causes easier breathing, reduces stress hormones and causes the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. Attend a comedy show, watch a funny movie or hang out with a child.
2. Exercise
At least 30 minutes will do WONDERS for your stress levels! Quit moping around and put on your sneakers to hit the gym or park closest to you. You could even find a nice YouTube video and do it at home.
3. Rest
Take a nap. It’s amazing what a nap can do to rejuvenate your body. Catch up on your sleep and you’ll feel better.
4. Ask For Help
Unfortunately, none us are really capable of fulfilling superhero like abilities. Don’t take on everything alone, ask for help.
5. Eat Foods With Serotonin
Eat foods with vitamin B-6, such as tuna, salmon, sunflower seeds, turkey and banana because that vitamin makes the body produce a calming agent in the brain called serotonin.
6. Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol is a depressant. It’s just not good to drink when you’re stressed because you’ll end up feeling even worse.
7 . Vent
Find somebody to talk to about your issues. Come see me or confide in a trusted friend or family members. Keeping your emotions bottled up is asking for a blow-up later on.
8. Say No
If you’re spreading yourself too thin, just say no. Sometimes we just don’t have the time or energy to do everything. Instead of attempting to complete a task, politely decline and keep it moving. Hey, it’s your sanity.
9. Do Something Fun
Go ice-skating, take your nieces and nephews to see the Christmas lights, whatever your interests do something that will allow you to smile, relax and enjoy yourself for a moment.
10. Get Busy
Sex lowers your blood pressure, stress levels and decreases your anxiety. Now, if you’re gonna get it on, make sure to protect yourself.
Stay strong people!
Do you have any other ideas to help relieve stress?
