You sailed through Halloween and the Thanksgiving holiday. But now December is here, and it’s really ‘go’ time. There are so many parties and the ‘to do’ lists seem endless! And for some — that translates to some major stress.
So, take a deep breath. And check out these seven tips to help you stay sane and stress-free:
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Take a hike. Literally. Hiking or walking for at least 30 minutes a day outdoors stimulates the production of serotonin, a feel-good chemical in the brain.
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Sniff some citrus. The scent of lemons and oranges is proven to alleviated stress and better your mood. Rub a slice of the inside of the peel on your skin to release the essential oils or place a bowl of fresh zest on the counter to diffuse throughout the room.
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Stick to your daily routine. Keep your regular workout schedule going, or weekly lunch date with friends on your calendar. This sense of normalcy will help you feel more in control and less overwhelmed.
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Let go of perfection. You may forget to mail a card or gift, or send the wrong item to your child’s gift exchange at school. Cut yourself some serious slack at this time of year. It will all be okay.
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Silence your cell. Dedicate a few days over your holiday to unplug. Turn off automatic email and text alerts, and check in only when absolutely necessary.
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Have some honey. Honey has antioxidant and antibacterial properties that can boost immunity, and the sweetness packs and energetic punch. Try a spoonful in your favorite warm winter beverages.
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Don’t overschedule. Focus on what and who are really important to you during the holidays. Your family maybe or a few special friends? Choose how you spend your time wisely, and remember that it’s always perfectly acceptable to politely decline any invitation or say ‘no’ to a task you are not able to complete.
(Adapted from Health.com)
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