This article is a bit late in coming, given that the holidays are already upon us, but for many the next few weeks may bring as much stress as joy. Here are some ways to keep things under control:
- Be nice to yourself. Don’t put high demands on yourself or try to be superhuman. If dealing with other people is stressing you out, take time outs for yourself and leave events early if you need to.
- Likewise, be sure to seek out other people if their company makes you feel better.
- Eat dark chocolate. Studies are increasingly finding health benefits to chocolate, including for stress reduction (< ahref=http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/indepth.food/sweets/chocolate.cravings/index.html>http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/indepth.food/sweets/chocolate.cravings/index.html) and one study even found that eating chocolate reduced miscarriage risks ( http://www.transworldnews.com/NewsStory.aspx?storyid=11209&ret=Default.aspx).
- Meditate. It’s not all about saying “omm” and having a perfectly blank mind, but just taking a 15-20 minute chunk of quiet time to think things over can do wonders for your mental health and clarity.
- Drink tea. Like chocolate, drinking a cup of tea each day can be helpful for stress. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/5405686.stm.
- Take up hobbies. Perhaps you like to paint, or play a musical instrument, or watch old movies.
- Discover a new fiction author and spend some time reading.
- Take a long walk. Fresh air can do wonders. Of course, if you live someplace where there’s snow on the ground, be sure to bundle up!
- Get a massage. Nuff said.
- Eat a healthy diet. At least after you’re finished with the holiday goodies. What you eat can affect how you feel and therefore your mood.
- Exercise. This releases endorphins and can be quite a mood booster.
Find more information at the Stress Management site here on BellaOnline.
