Reduce Stress during the holidays is not always easy Our busy lives keep us on our toes for upcoming exams, tight deadlines and lengthy to-do lists. This all not only builds up stress levels but tires us to a limit where we can’t pause, reflect and re-organize in order to tackle things smartly. Thankfully, holidays are here, and it is the best time of the year to take a break from all the daily hassles, re-think the work strategy and use ways to combat the ever-looming stress that exhausts our minds and bodies, both.
Let’s look at the following tips to reduce stress in these holidays:
1. Meditation is one easy but highly powerful way to relax. Sit with a comfortable posture in a quiet surrounding, close your eyes and clam your mind by focusing on one spiritual thing for 10-15 min. This technique relieves high blood pressure, lowers heart rate and improves cognitive abilities.
2. Massage can rest your tensed muscles and unclog your bogged down mind. Give yourself a treat by getting a body, face or feet massage and reduce your stress significantly. Even a plain hot bath will do. An added aromatherapy is an icing on the cake!
3. Exercise regularly during holidays. Do not get lazy with the thought of holidays. Instead, keep your jogging routine compact and exercise daily for about 20 min to bust the building stress. A work-out tends to boost your body’s endorphins that aid in lowering stress and intrinsic toxins.
4. Music, especially one with a slow tempo and motivating lyrics, is very soothing to the mind. A soft music therapy is wonderful for reducing the daily anxiety and dealing with ongoing stress.
5. Green Tea can also aid in the process. Green tea contains an amino acid known as theanine, which promotes
relaxation and gives a flavor to the soothing tea. Having green tea instead of caffeinated drinks or sodas is best for keeping the body fit and mind relaxed.
6. Mood-boosting foods can also work wonders to raise serotonin levels – a brain chemical that is responsible for feelings of calmness and relaxation. Eating a portion of cookies, chocolate or pretzels can significantly improve mood and alleviate stress. Such foods, however, should be consumed in a limited and well thought-out manner to keep dental and body hygiene in good control.
Johanna Oosterwijk N.D.
