‘Tis The Season For … Stress? All Too Often, that is what the holidays present to mar the happiness and cheer. The demands of decorating, shopping, parties and even family gatherings can get to the best of us.
Stress is not just in your mind, it can harm your body, fueling everything from backaches to heart disease. Luckily, you can give yourself the gift on enjoyable holidays:
- Only agree to activities you find meaningful. Skip those you feel obligated to do.
- Delegate tasks. Ask your family to help with holiday chores.
- Get enough sleep, about 7-9 hours a night.
- Eat right and exercise even when your schedule is busy.
- Spend time outdoors. Sunlight can ease depressive symptoms tied to shore winter days.
- Make new family traditions. Go sledding. Bake cookies. Stroll around your neighborhood to admire the decorations.
- Surround yourself with supportive and positive people.
- Try deep breathing when stress rears its ugly head. Close your eyes and breathe in deeply through your nose for a count of 4. Pause, then slowly exhale through your mouth. Do this about 5 times and you will feel your body start to relax.
- Find time for yourself. Curl up on the sofa with a good book. Listen to your favorite music. Take a soak in the tub.
- If none of these tips offers you any relief, speak with your doctor about some other ways to reduce stress or depression.
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