5 Simple Ways to Reduce Holiday Stress and Enjoy the Season

5 Simple Ways to Reduce Holiday Stress

This time of the year is supposed to be filled with Happiness, Peace and Joy - but for many people - the Holidays offer nothing but stress, angst and worry. That is not good and can lead to some serious physical problems. So, in spite of the incessant ads, news and grumpy humbugs - there are some easy steps that you can take to make your Holidays Bright!  For the purposes of this post, and because every city has at least 1 place that really knows what they are doing, many of the easiest remedies involve visiting a spa.

Now, most people can't take time off work to spend a couple of hours having a massage or a facial even though it has been proven that such treatments can dramatically increase productivity and actually make you work, sleep - heck just plain LIVE - better.  We say that the days of stressful Holiday planning are over..ok, that's not going to happen.  But what we can help you with is reducing your stress levels as much as possible during the most wonderful time of the year.

So we've prepared 5 simple ways to reduce stress for the Holidays.

1. Breathe - I know this sounds like a no brainer but when we get stressed we tend to hold our breath.  Believe it or not, this can cause unwanted tension in our back and shoulders.  Sit up straight or lie down flat, close your eyes and inhale and exhale, nice and easy, then repeat 10 times. Yes, 10 times - in and out - slowly, it is not a race and you can do this anywhere.
2. Eat Chocolate - Like you have to have an excuse for this.  But did you know that Cocoa beans are rich in flavonoids, an antioxidant, which counteract the anxiety-producing hormone, cortisol?  So, eat some chocolate to reduce stress. NOTE, don't overdo it. And make sure you find the bar with the highest % of cocoa - like 75-90%. Stay away from the milk chocolate and chocolate flavored bacon. If you really need a fix, try a Hot Chocolate Pedicure or a Chocolate Body Wrap at a nearby Hungarian Day Spa in Aspinwall.
3. Exercise - You've heard of the "runners high" haven't you?  That's because when we exercise our brains produce endorphines that make us feel better. Again, you don't have to go crazy. Actually, studies have shown that you can literally spend 5 minutes per week and get your body on the right metabolic path.
4. Mind Over Matter - It's true that what we think about effects how we feel.  So, if you start to feel some anxiety or stress or worry, Imagine yourself sitting around the fire surrounded by happy family and friends all without a worry in the world.  It's a cliche but really - find your 'Happy Place' where its just you and yours basking in the glow of the hearth or the sun..or snow..or whatever you're doing.
5. Massage - Stress causes serious pain throughout our muscles.  By having a professional therapist apply a bit of pressure to stretch and work out those hard knots can get you back on track to successfully planning - and enjoying - your Holidays stress free. Yippeee!
6. Turn Off The Device - I just had to add this one. It is perhaps the easiest and at the same time might be the most difficult to do. But think about this - I know people (nudge, nudge) who turn on their TV (or phone, or whatever) as soon as they wake up and who also fall asleep with it still on - sometimes set to CNN or Fox the entire time. If you are constantly allowing your senses to be bombarded with usually not-the-best news, vitriol, complaining, pandering or worse - and I haven't even talked about the commercials yet - you are depriving your brain from ever accepting anything positive. Think of your brain like a computer - and the term GIGO (garbage in, garbage out) - if you always let garbage in your brain, you are probably going to get some garbage out - and while it is in there it might start to rot and make you miserable in the process. So read a book, listen to some great music, call a friend, watch a happy child play - do SOMETHING fun, distracting, uplifting and positive!

Please let us know how it goes once you've tried all 5 (or 6).  If you have any questions or need help relaxing please post a note here or give me a call at 412-782-3888 for a complimentary professional consultation.  And when you are ready we will be with your well deserved spa day and massage.