The
holidays are upon us, so ‘tis the season to be jolly. And that means that you
can’t let yourself fall victim to stress! It’s not always easy, what with the
hustle and bustle of shopping, decorating your home, getting ready for company,
and concerns about pushing an already tight budget to its limits. Here are a
few quick tricks that’ll short-circuit the stress in the wink of a reindeer’s
eye:
Breathe. Taking slow, deliberate
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. (And
it’s yummy!)
The
most important thing is to allow yourself to enjoy the holiday season and all
of its wonders. After all, it only comes once a year!
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