Despite your best efforts to keep things simple it’s hard to avoid stress this time of year. Not only are you doing all the normal stuff that stresses you out (like the never ending laundry pile and two hour long staff meetings) but you also have to juggle the holiday party invitations, gift shopping and school programs on top of it. Keeping your fitness real at Christmas time is not just about being smart with your workout time. You also need quick ways to diffuse the tension before Christmas dinner with your in-laws or before braving the crowds to take the kids to see Santa.
You can take your stress level down a notch or two with this quick list of grown up “timeouts”.
- The Three Wise Men were on to something with giving frankincense as a gift.
Frankincense essential oil is a great stress reliever and is generally safe for topical use. Just place a tiny dab on your temples or wrists to help ease stress. You can also make an easy to use spray by mixing distilled water with a few drops of the oil in a spray bottle. Keep it in your desk or purse for a quick spritz of calm. - Lock yourself in the bathroom or car and take some deep breaths alternating nostrils.
Block your right nostril with your thumb and inhale through your left nostril. Hold your breath for 2-3 seconds, block your left nostril and exhale through the right side. Repeat, starting by inhaling through the right nostril. Continue to alternate sides for one minute. - Get a good laugh by checking out the Ellen app or EllenTube.
You can catch the best highlights from The Ellen DeGeneres Show on her app for free. Or you can check out the latest viral dance video or cute kittens on her EllenTube app. - It may seem like my answer to everything but tea drinking is a great stress reliever.
I love herbal teas with lavender or chamomile. Try the Honey Lavender Stress Relief from Yogi Tea or the De-Stress Hawaiian Way from Maui Rainbow Tea to help you stop and breath for a few minutes at your desk. At night try Bedtime tea from Yogi to help unwind instead of a glass of wine. I promise it will help you sleep better (and feel better in the morning) thank alcohol.
What’s your best one-minute stress buster? How do you keep the holidays from overwhelming you?
