‘Tis the season to be jolly, so don’t let
yourself fall victim to stress this time of year. It’s not always easy, what
with last minute shopping, decorating your home, getting ready for company, and
concerns about pushing an already tight budget to its limits. So don’t let the
blahs and the blues get you down. Here are a few quick tricks that’ll
short-circuit the stress in the wink of a reindeer’s eye:
·
Breathe.
Taking slow, deep breaths and focusing on the sensation (called mindful
breathing) won’t shrink the long line at the toy store, but it will lower your
heart rate and help you gain a sense of control.
·
Spend
quality time with your pet. Your furry friend loves you unconditionally, so
playing a quick game of fetch with Fido or cuddling on the couch with Kitty
will lift your spirits and serve as a buffer against stress.
·
Take
a walk. A simple walk at a brisk pace enhances the flow of brain chemicals that
block the effects of stress. It doesn’t have to be a long walk—even a dash up
and down the stairs will do in a pinch.
·
Munch
on chocolate. It’s true—eating chocolate helps release endorphins, those brainy
chemicals that control your mood.
·
Set aside some
daily “me time” so you can relax and enjoy the season. My stress-busting
choice? Needlepoint!
The most important thing
is to allow yourself time to enjoy the season and all of its wonders. After all, it
only comes once a year!
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