5 Tips to Relieve Holiday Stress

The holiday season is upon us in full force. Although this is ‘supposed’ to be a joyful time of the year, bringing together family and friends, for many of us, holiday expectations and anticipation can also bring a fair amount of stress, and anxiety.

According to the American Psychological Association (APA) nearly half of all American women experience heightened stress during the holidays and we know that the men are not far behind. Prolonged periods of stress can be harmful to your health resulting in sleeplessness, overeating (or not eating) and irritability. Many people tend to self-sooth with sugary or salty foods or turn to an alcoholic beverage to counter their stress reaction. Although occasional indulgences are a normal social experience; long term, it is best to find other tools for self care.
 
Here are 5 tips to relieve stress and have a happier holiday season:
 
1. Breathe Deeply
Whenever you feel yourself getting anxious or feeling overwhelmed, stop and take a relaxation break. Focus on your breathing. Breathe in for 5 seconds and breathe out for 6 seconds. Conscious, slow breathing, calms the mind and helps you feel more relaxed.
 
2. Get Active
We all know the importance of being active and getting regular exercise, particularly, during the holiday season. Physical activity not only boosts your fitness and energy levels but can also elevate your mood. Rigorous physical activity, in fact, increases endorphins, which in turn, makes you feel better.
 
3. Be Generous
There is no better time of the year to be generous than the holidays. Consider being generous with your compliments, write holiday cards with special messages to your family and friends, volunteer your time for a worthy cause, or help an elderly neighbor with their errands. Serving others can make us feel more joyful.
 
4. Learn to Say No
Often times during the holidays, we are invited to various gatherings. Whether it’s an office holiday party, a friend’s get together or a cookie exchange, you don’t have to accept every invitation. Learn to say no to those events that aren’t as important to you. This will give you more time to spend on the things that bring you joy.
 
5. Be Present
​It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of holiday activities but make sure you tune into the people around you. How often do you get a chance to spend time with the people that matter to you most? Savor the moments and create experiences that your family will remember for years to come. Don’t let the holiday season pass you by and all you remember is everything that you got done. Be present for yourself and those around you.
 
Another solution employed by holistic practioners for over 200 years is using homeopathic remedies to help ease the impact of stress. This holiday season or any time you are feeling overwhelmed, consider using Stress EASE. This all-natural auric (body) spray delivers a sense of peace and calm in times of emotional distress. As anxiety and worry are calmed, focus and clarity become more accessible.
 
By using the self-help tools mentioned above in conjunction with Stress EASE body spray, you may be surprised at your ability to better enjoy the beauty of the holiday season with your family and friends.
 
Wishing you a harmonious holiday season!
 

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