If you want to know how to avoid stress over the holidays, then continue reading this article. I’ll cover a simple way you can reduce stress and get in holiday shape, without breaking a sweat.
One of the best ways to keep stress from ruining your holidays, or anytime for that matter, is by keeping your stress levels low to begin with. How? Well, if you haven’t figured it out already, the strategy that I’m suggesting is exercising. I know. That’s probably the last thing you wanted to hear, but it does work. So, here me out;-)
It doesn’t matter whose list you read or what publication you browse through. Near the top of the list of things you can do to reduce stress, is always exercise. And it’s for good reason, too.
Regular exercise helps the body to relax, while bringing cortisol levels to a normal level. Cortisol is a chemical that gets released when your stress and anxiety levels go up. Too much of it can lead to problems such as hypertension.
I’m not suggesting that you train for a marathon, or even go to a gym. Just simple things you can do with little effort, to burn off some excess energy, will work wonders.
The added benefit is, you’ll feel less guilty about eating big meals over the holidays.
Here’s a tweak you can make, without changing your schedule. When you’re shopping for gifts, or even at work, while everyone else heads for the elevators, and escalators, head for the stairs instead. You’ll burn a few calories and let go of some built up stress, at the same time. Just make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Another thing you can do, is instead of looking for a parking spot near the door, which is a miracle in and of itself if you find one, try parking a little further out. That little bit of extra walking helps.
Speaking of walking…walking is one of the best things you can do to release stress. Again, keeping it simple. Just add 5-10 minutes of walking either in the morning, or when you get home in the evening, or even on your lunch break. You’ll see and feel the difference.
Tags: added benefit, anxiety levels, comfortable shoes, cortisol levels, elevators and escalators, excess energy, how to avoid stress, hypertension, stress and anxiety, stress levels