Holiday stress-busting tips

By: Melody Dizon

 

Ahhhhh the most wonderful time of the year and my most favorite time of the year – CHRISTMAS- is right around the corner !!!! The smell of the pine Christmas tree, christmas music is in the air, shopping, gatherings, back-to-back parties, intermittent fasting, keto diet, gym, crowds, traffic noise, lines, Christmas gift list, hot cocoas. Sweets. Nooooooh, 10 lbs not yet- it’s not officially here. But I can almost breathe all this in. S.T.R.E.S.S.

As your healthcare advocate, here are some quick survival guides, coping strategies to mood-lifting foods. I hope this will help you and me.

Hike your mood with sunlight

It stimulates the production of feel-good serotonin and also helps relieve seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which impacts millions of Americans every year, as per researchers. To ease SAD symptoms, spend time outdoors or near a window on sunny days, or ask your doc about phototherapy (a treatment using a box that emits full-spectrum light).

Take a whiff of citrus

Researchers studying depression have found that certain citrus fragrances boost feelings of well-being and alleviate stress by upping levels of norepinephrine, a hormone that affects mood. For an all-day pick-me-up, dab a little lemon or orange essential oil on a handkerchief to tuck in your pocket.

Walk away from worries

The rhythm and repetition of walking has a tranquilizing effect on your brain, and it decreases anxiety and improves sleep, per researchers and wellness experts. Aim for a brisk, half-hour walk every day.

Squeeze here

The fleshy place between your index finger and thumb is called the hoku spot in traditional Chinese medicine. Applying firm pressure there for just 30 seconds can reduce stress and tension in your upper body. So if you start to feel overwhelmed by the holiday chaos, give your hand a squeeze and take a deep breath.

Do less, enjoy more

People go overboard to please others during the holidays: shopping, cooking, sending cards, and attending every event. Instead, take care of yourself by saying no at least once—and maybe more.

Stick with your daily routine

Prioritize your workouts, book club, etc., and don’t try to squeeze in more holiday than you can handle.

Don’t neglect whatever cracks you up

Laughing like crazy reduces stress hormones. That, in turn, helps immune cells function better. Find something funny, train your brain to laugh at yourself, at things that are funny. Don’t lose the funny in things. It’s more than okay to laugh all the time. It is encouraged to laugh.

Forget perfection

Stop obsessing over doing it all. The world is not going to end if the house is a little cluttered or dinner is on the table a few minutes late. “Focus your energy on enjoying the people in your life,” Don’t sweat the small stuff and your holiday will be much more enjoyable!

Go tech-free

Constant cell phone buzzes and email alerts keep us in a perpetual fight-or-flight mode due to bursts of adrenaline. Not only is this exhausting, but it contributes to mounting stress levels, especially in women. What better time to turn your gadgets off than during a holiday get-together? Enjoy spending time with your family and friends without worry.

Eat breakfast before you tank up on coffee

Caffeine on an empty stomach can cause blood sugar levels to spike, which can cause attention problems and irritability.

Fit in exercise

It may be the last thing you feel like doing when you’re stressed out, but going for a run or hitting the gym can actually make you feel better. Research has found that workouts can boost your mood for up to 12 hours.

Don’t overschedule

If you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed by your holiday agenda, don’t over schedule your time and take on more than you can manage. Remember: It’s OK to slow down a bit.

Plan a real vacation

Taking at least four or five days off work dramatically lowers your stress level. If you have kids and opt for a staycation during the holidays, take turns with your partner doing kid-duty—or send them off to their own vacation at grandma’s.

Think positive

The holidays may drive you to your breaking point, but don’t focus on the bad. Negative thinking can trigger your body’s stress response, just as a real threat does. Remember, it’s time to celebrate with your family and friends (even if they do stress you out!). An optimistic outlook will help you cope with challenges that come your way.

I wanted to greet all our readers at Via Times- a very Merry Christmas! Jesus, is still is the light of the world. You are the God I Know. You are righteous, faithful and true. Happy happy new year to all. Thank you for subscribing to us all these years. We appreciate all of you.