Ways to De-Stress During the Holidays

Stress. I have it, you have it, we all have it. Maybe you are trying to find a job, and organizing multiple schedules. Maybe you simply have a bad boss and unhappy work environment. Maybe you are trying to stretch a dollar our of ten. In our day-to-day life we have stress. During the holidays, stress can build and build. Some of you may have even had moments in the past few months when you have literally woke up from a dream in a cold sweat only to immediately think about how much money goes to the cable bill and how much money goes to the electric.

With the holidays coming up, and the need to get exactly what our family and friends expect us to get them and to throw the perfect holiday party. Between social expectations and the long lines and crazy super-shoppers in them, maybe, taking a minute to relax is not only the best way to rid stress, but the only. These simple tips on stress relief will surely get you through the holidays with a smile.

Ways to RelaxDuring the Holiday Season

Read a book. Especially with cold, fall and winter nights that have now made their appearance. On a rainy night grab a book on local folklore and legend, or maybe grab a book version of a Stephen King novel. Or just grab the book you have been trying to read for ages, a glass of wine and sink yourself into it. When you absorb into the book, you lose touch with outside world and immerse in the writing. Reading is a way to sharpen your mind too and keep it alert. Reading a good book not only helpful in releasing stress but also to increase knowledge. Plus, accomplishing something, little or small can be a mood booster.

Listen to music. Experts suggest that the best music for you to de-stress is classical music. For example music by Mozart or Beethoven. Take as many chances as you can to drown out the bad sounds in your life and place the good sounds into your daily musical soundtrack instead. You can listen to music while driving, or during your commute, while you workout and before and during sleep. Or during work if the environment allows. Besides Beethoven, maybe it takes a little Carol King to get you through a break-up or a little Coldplay to not make you feel so lonely because Chris Martin feels lonelier...Sometimes we all need the Foo Fighters Learn to Fly to inspire us. Either way, a good song is like a shot of tequila, without the lack of memory and judgment.

Exercise. You can always, "walk it off" or "run it out". Even better box, dance or yoga it off. Yoga is probably the best way to feel better physically by achieving inner-peace. Many Yogi's swear that just 20 minutes a day of yoga can provide a natural balance to your chi. Additionally getting your heart pumping releases endorphins, the natural, "Happy Pills" your body makes on its own.

Play with your child or pet. I bet your cat or dog would play all day if you had the time. Petting the little belly of a non-speaking thing that loves us is sometimes the best and only type of companionship you might need at the moment. Plus, to see how much it means to your little buddy, even if it's 5 minutes, can make my your day, no matter how stressful or upsetting of a day you have had. The tallest a man can get is when he is bent over helping a child.

Sleep. A few hours of sleep can ruin your day and schedule, but 30 minutes to 45 minutes can cure a cranky person in one minute flat. When you feel tired, take a nap and you'll see the difference after you wake up.

Cook or Bake. Not only will the motions make you feel productive and a little organized, but the yummy in your tummy will immediately give you a boost, even if it is a little unhealthy. Do Not, I repeat DO NOT eat a whole plate of cookies if you make them. If you make a cookie batter, bake off no more than 5-10 and freeze the rest of the batter for later use.