7 Ways to De-Stress During the Holidays
Breathe Deeply - It's amazing what a deep breath can do for you. It's healing for the mind and body. Seems like such a simple thing, but the outcome might surprise you. Sit down, feet on the floor and just deeply inhale and exhale 3-4 times. Your mind should feel clearer and your body more relaxed. It's really a good practice to get into because the benefits will amaze you.
Massage- Getting a massage might be a little harder than just breathing deeply, but it is very relaxing. Teach your kids or spouse to massage your neck and shoulders or even do a foot massage. This can be a great way to bond and provide stress relief at the same time. An added benefit could be an aromatherapy massage using your favorite aromatherapy massage oil or lotion.
Aromatherapy - Essential oils have been used for hundreds of years for many things. There are many essential oils and essential oil blends that help your body to relax. Try a room spray or essential oil diffuser to diffuse essential oils into the air. Some of my favorite calming blends are winter calm, lavender, lavender mint splash or rose.
Take time out for yourself - This can't be said enough, in the hustle and bustle of the Holidays, take time to take a relaxing bath, go out for coffee with a friend or just sneak a few moments of peace and solitude. Bath bombs are the perfect way to de-stress and take time out for yourself. Browse our bath bombs
Take a Walk - Might seem like a small thing, but sometimes just taking a walk can energize while at the same time calm your body. Make it a brisk walk while you're at it to get the benefit of exercise.
Make a Plan - One of the best ways to make things less stressful is to have a plan. Plan your Holiday meals before the rush hits, purchase things for the meal a little at a time each time you go grocery shopping, thereby making that last minute rush to the store in traffic galore non-existent.
Plan your Christmas, shop early, make lists of things you need for the home, things for the meal and gift ideas. Firm up your gift ideas and purchase by the first week in December at the latest. Last minute shopping causes stress, not only because you are last minute shopping, but also because you usually end up spending more money because of poor planning!
Ask for Help - Seem simple enough, but sometimes we feel we have to do it all ourselves. Don't be afraid to ask for help, have other people pitch in for the meal, assign your kids to each be in charge of making a dish, not only are you teaching them to cook, but you are working with them and getting things done together. Togetherness is what it's all about!
