The physical consequences of unattended stress can be far reaching and, at some point, become more permanent than chronic. This holiday season keep yourself from over stressing by using our amazingly easy stress reducing techniques!
LISTEN TO CLASSICAL MUSIC
When overwhelmed take a break from the carols and listen to relaxing classical music. Playing calm music has a positive effect on the brain and body. It can lower blood pressure and reduce cortisol, a hormone linked to stress. One recommendation is cello master Yo-Yo Ma playing Bach or listen to ocean or nature sounds.
CALL A FRIEND
If overwhelmed, take a break and call a friend and talk about what’s on your mind. A reassuring voice can be calming and put everything into perspective. Also, helping someone else is a good antidote.
TALK YOURSELF THROUGH IT
If you can’t call a friend, talking to yourself can be the next best thing. You are not silly, just tell yourself why you are stressed out, what you have to do to complete the task you are working on, and that everything will be okay. This is an excellent way to pass the time spent looking for parking spaces.
BREATHE EASY
“Take a deep breath” is not a cliché. For an easy 3-5 minute exercise, sit up in a chair with your feet flat on the floor and hands on top of your knees. Breathe in and out slowly and deeply, concentrating on your lungs as they expand fully in your chest. Deep breathing oxygenates your blood, helps center your body, and clears your mind, while shallow breathing causes stress.
LAUGH IT OFF
Laughter is healing and releases endorphins that improve mood and decrease levels of the stress-causing hormone cortisol and adrenaline. Laughter tricks our nervous system into making us happy.
TRY TEA
Say no the Frappuccino and try a nice cup of green tea. It has less than half the caffeine of coffee and contains healthy antioxidants as well as theanine – an amino acid that has a calming and soothing effect on the nervous system.
BE MINDFUL
The concept of “mindfulness” is a large part of meditations and somatic approaches to mental health and has become en vogue in psychotherapy. Try joining a class of yoga, tai chi, or Pilates. These systems of mindfulness incorporate physical and mental exercises that prevent problems in the first place. Sometimes you can even find free classes around town!
SLEEP BETTER
Stress can cause you to lose sleep. Lack of sleep is also a key cause of stress. This cycle causes the body to get out of whack and only gets worse with time. Try turning the TV off early and keep electronic devices off too. If you do want to watch a little television, stay away from negative news and tune in to the Hallmark channel for a feel good holiday movie. Stranger Things will not help you sleep…
Article information taken from healthsearch.com, healthline.com, helpguide.org and article by Elizabeth Scott, M.S., About.com Guide