Staying Healthy for the Holidays: Managing Holiday Stress Part 2

I hope you’re having a great season so far.  We've been talking about holiday stress and ways to deal with it.  Part 2 of our series will suggest how using your senses can help combat holiday stress.

 

Tip #6: Listen to Music

Music affects brain chemistry by reducing stress hormones.  Soothing music can also slow the heart rate and lower blood pressure.  Slow tempo music can quiet the mind, relax muscles and promote calmness.    

Feeling tired?  Try some upbeat tunes.  Fast music will increase alertness and concentration.  It can also promote optimism and positivity.  Finally, sing along!  Singing can be a great release of tension.

 

Tip #7: Try Meditation

Calm your mind with meditation.  Even 5 minutes of quiet time and deep breathing can be helpful.  Meditation wipes away stress and restores inner calmness and peace.  Meditation allows you to focus your attention on the present and it increases self-awareness.  It also balances overall health by helping you gain perspective, and decreasing negative emotions.

                  

Tip #8: Turn off Technology

Our brains are overstimulated.   Use the holidays as an excuse to unplug.  Using electronic gadgets increases electrical activity in the brain and stimulates the senses.  Bright lights (of laptops and televisions) will increases cortisol (the stress hormone) and prevent the release of melatonin which will prevent relaxation and sleep. 

 

Tip #9: Smell the Roses

Aromatherapy is gaining in popularity.  There is a science behind how and why aromatherapy works.  Basically pleasant smells make you feel good.  People generally perceive less stress and therefore the brain produces less cortisol when smells are pleasing.  You are more likely to take a deep breath which will promote relaxation and decrease blood pressure.  Finally, pleasant smells make you feel more peaceful.

 

Tip #10: Get a Massage

Massage promotes stress reduction through relaxation of the muscles.  Massage will allow for increase in circulation, and decrease in pain.  Getting a massage before entering a stressful environment will greatly help you endure the situation.

 

This holiday season look, listen, smell and feel your way to relaxation.