Top Ways to Fight Holiday Stress

It is now wonder that the holiday season is always a time of stress and worry. There’s a ton of events, parties, shopping, budgeting and planning to do. It is a magical time of the year, but it is also the most stressful time of the year. If you are even remotely worried about stressing out this year, then you need these top ways to fight holiday stress.

Millions of Americans each year suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). It is characterized by depression that is onset by the season. Spending time outdoors is a great way to combat this holiday symptom. There are plenty of places around Phoenix to go for a hike, so take one!

Feeling a bit depressed during the holidays? Some researchers say taking a whiff of some citrus fragrances can boost norepinephrine. This will help boost your mood.

A nice brisk walk can really help release the pent up stress you start to feel building up during the holidays. Blast some music and take a minute to let it all go. Aim for a good half hour each day.

There is a pressure point in your hand called the hoku spot. It is the fleshy part of your hand located between the index finger and thumb. Give it a good 30 second squeeze to let all the holiday chaos drain from your body.

When things get complicated during the holiday season, simply do less. Shorten up your gift list, take one holiday party off your calendar and just aim for less to enjoy what will do, more.

Want to reduce stress? Laugh more often! Laughing reduces your stress hormones which in turn actually helps your immune system. So grab a funny movie or go to a comedy show to boost your happiness.

You don’t even have to spend money to leave the house, but it can do you a world of good. Especially if your family is hard to handle, they might be nicer in public.

Sometimes we hang onto silly or old customs that make us more stressed or even sad. You can always begin a new (and easy) tradition during the holiday season to help let go of any past emotions.

Sometimes it is best just to shut off for a few hours. This means shutting your phone off completely, turning off the TV and any other electronics. Grab a book or meditate. Take some time for you and let go of technology for just a little bit.

Turn your house into a Jingle Bell rocking home by blasting your favorite tunes during the holidays. When you listen to the music YOU love, it can relax blood vessels and increase blood flow.

Sometimes you need a real vacation from the holidays. We’re talking the get out of town and away from your everyday type of vacation. Well, maybe you can’t get out of town, so opt for a staycation. Let every stress of the holiday season go while you zone out.

Maybe you actually enjoy the holidays and all the events that come along with it. Your stress might actually stem from planning and organizing. Work on setting reminders in your phone or using a daily planner to make sure your schedule is ready to rock.

It is ok to put yourself first during the holidays, especially if you get stressed easily. Try fitting in a massage, a yoga class or something that you know will help you. It might not be part of your regular routine and that is ok. The holidays are not going to last forever.

It may sound cliche, but thinking positive will help you stay positive. Remember, this holiday season will end and before you know it, January will hit. So, think positive thoughts and know that you can make it.

Stress is going to happen during the holidays. There are easy ways to minimize the stress you go through. Take the time to find the areas you can work on and focus your energy only where it needs to be. When you take care of your body and your whole self, you will really see a difference.