I think it’s safe to say that everyone gets a little stressed this time of the year. There are gifts to buy, gifts to wrap, parties to attend, food to cook, lines to wait in and about a million other things going on outside of your already jammed packed schedule. We want to do it all with a smile on our face, but sometimes stress gets the best of us. And that’s ok, we are all human! I’m by no means an expert on overcoming stress, but have found a few easy ways that work for me when it comes to dealing with it. So if you are having a hard time managing your stress level this season, hopefully one {or all!} of these tips will be helpful for you too!
1. Get in a Quick Workout
If you don’t feel better after working out you must not be doing it right. Exercise is really an amazing thing {and that’s not just the Kinesiology minor in me speaking!}. I’m not suggesting running ten miles a day, or doing anything super strenuous, but even setting aside 15-20 minutes a few times a week to get in some physical activity will work wonders on your stress level. I personally like to run a mile on the treadmill when I can fit it into my schedule. It’s quick, easy and really centers my emotions. Plus, I tend to get some of my best ideas once the endorphin’s start kicking in.
2. Give Back with a Kind Gesture or Smile
There are so many wonderful ways to give back during the holiday season, and it doesn’t even have to be with a monetary donation. My sister and I created our own version of Elf on the Shelf where we give each other little surprises throughout the season, and similar to the children’s version of Elf on the Shelf sometimes our elf does random, mischevious things. We are probably too old for this, but it’s nice to spread joy in unexpected ways.
Some other ideas to easily give back include: holding the door open a little bit longer for a stranger, give a compliment to someone while waiting in a long checkout line at the store, acknowledge someone for their exceptional service and tell them they made your day. All very easy, and pretty much guaranteed to make yourself feel a little better after doing so too!
3. Watch Christmas Movies
When it’s time to completely check out {I imagine we’ve all been there}, it’s best to give yourself a mental break. My mental break consists of watching Christmas movies. As corny as this may be, Christmas movies just make me happy. And if I can live in my pretend magical Christmas world where everyone always falls in love, and things always work out, for a few hours to unwind that works for me! I’d recommend the Hallmark Channel any day {they start playing Christmas movies 24/7 in October}. I used to watch the movies on this channel to count the unfluffed Christmas trees {there are several!}, but then I got hooked. Corny, but that’s ok. It will definitely make you feel less stressed.
If the Hallmark Channel isn’t your thing, some of my other favorite Christmas movies include: Elf, Christmas Vacation, It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, The Holiday and Home Alone {1 & 2}!
4. Be Grateful for the Good Things in Life
At times it seems like there is nothing good about the world we live in, but each day there are so many good things happening around us that we fail to even recognize. Spend a little time reflecting on these things as much as possible. Journal about what you are most grateful for in life whenever you are feeling a little down. You can also reach out to someone and let them know how much they mean to you. We are all blessed to have really wonderful people in our lives, be sure to tell them how much they mean to you. You can’t possibly feel bad when you fill your heart with love and gratitude.
5. Be Nice
This should go with out even saying, but unfortunately I think it serves as a good reminder for us all. The holidays can be stressful for so many people, so keep that in mind and just be nice. You get so much farther in life when you are nice. My experience working in customer service proves this point over and over again. Generally speaking companies {and people} want to make things right for you if there is a problem. Don’t take your frustrations out on other people, and if you do apologize. And if you make mistakes own them! No one is perfect, and a sense of humility never hurts anyone. The golden rule is not dead, and if you start using it in all situations your stress levels will go down. And you won’t have regrets for acting like a jerk later on too!
If we each focus on what we can do to monitor our own stress levels this holiday season I’m convinced our lives will start to feel like a Hallmark Christmas movie! Only with perfectly fluffed Christmas trees! 😉
![Spring Break will be here before you know it! I have teamed up with some of my friends to offer you a fitness giveaway full of prizes to be shipped to you directly(in the continental US) or redeemed online! One Lucky Winner will receive these awesome prizes valued over $750 and includes: -One entry for yourself and One for a friend to The Refine YOU Program (beginning February 23). This will give you a customized nutrition and fitness plan to help you reach your goals! -One Fab Fit Fun Box full of self care goodies -$50 Fabletics Gift Card -One $50 [solidcore] gift card (may be used online for athletic wear) -One week of Dash Dinners (organic meal spice kits) TO ENTER 1. Like this photo 2. Tag one friend. Bonus entries for each tagged friend 3. Follow @refineyouindy and all the accounts they are following ***Winner will be announced on February 21st and posted on the @refineyouindy page and will be contacted directly. By entering, you agree to have your account posted to this page if you are selected the winner. This is not way sponsored, administered or endorsed by Instagram/Facebook. By entering entrants confirm that they are 18+ years of age, release Instagram/Facebook and all brands and participants of all responsibility, and agree to Instagram's terms of use. VOID where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary.](/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)
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