Top 10 Ways to Reduce Stress during the Holiday Season
Top 10 Ways to Reduce Stress during the Holiday Season
- Laugh – Laughing like crazy reduces stress hormones, therefore helping your immunes cells function better.
- Breathe Deep – Taking deep a deep breath has shown to lower cortisol levels, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety.
- Take a Bath – Soaking in Water has a soothing effect. Add lavender, bath oils or aromatherapy candles and your well on your way to complete Zen.
- Hug Someone Everyday – studies show that the perceived social support by frequent hugging protects you from stress-induces infections.
- Unplug – While at first it can feel stressful to disconnect; give it a chance you will find yourself appreciating the break away from the WORLD WIDE WEB.
- Take a whiff of citrus - Researchers found that certain citrus fragrances boost feelings of well-being and alleviate stress by upping levels of norepinephrine, a hormone that affects mood.
- Forget perfection – Stop obsessing over doing it all. The world is not going to end if the house is a little cluttered or dinner is on the table a few minutes late. Don’t sweat the small stuff and your holiday will be much more enjoyable.
- Enjoy some spice – Hot foods trigger the release of endorphins – the natural chemicals that trigger feelings of euphoria and well-being.
- Turn up the tunes - Listen to your favorite music – Research 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.
- Fit in exercise – It may be the last thing you feel like doing when you are stressed out, but going for a run or hitting the gym can actually make you feel better. Research has found that workouts can boost your mood for up to 12 hours.