6 Holiday Stress Relief Fundamentals to Help you Relax

The stressed-out feeling that comes from trying to do too much in too little time. The pressure to spend time with friends and family (when all you may want to do is relax at home with a good book.) The heavy and sweet foods that have your mood swinging to a fro. These are all reasons why you may be seeking out some holiday stress relief this time of year.

How can I relax during the holidays?

Spend time with friends and family, but get your rest too. During the holidays, with all the feasting and family time, it’s easy to forget to actually rest. Here are 6 easy and quick things you can do whether you’re on the go or at home relaxing to reduce stress and anxiety.

1. Chew Gum – Chewing is known to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol found in the saliva. To get even more benefit, chew fast rather than slow, as this will give you more of an anxiety-busting effect.
2. Check Your Posture – Sitting or standing up straight will relieve pressure on your neck and shoulders, causing a ripple effect through the rest of your body, allowing you to feel less stressed.
3. Eat Pumpkin Seeds – High potassium foods, like Pumpkin seeds and bananas, help regulate electrolyte balance and manage blood pressure. These two foods may help reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety.
4. Use Essential Oils – Essential oils like lavender have naturally calming properties. Roll or dab a bit on your pulse points like inside your wrists.
5. Try Relaxing Edibles – The new Delta 8 THC has been touted as providing a more easy-going and less anxious experience. Find out more about the bridge between CBD and delta 9 THC.
6. Get Fresh Air – Oxygen is thought to affect the levels of serotonin released in the body, which will be to contribute to feelings of relaxation.
7. Bonus: Take deep breathes and close your eyes

Limit the optional events

Decide NOW what events and get-togethers are most important to you so that you can more easily say no to those last-minute invites, office events, and dinner parties that leave you feeling drained.

Foods to help reduce stress

Other than pumpkin seeds and bananas, there are several other foods you can eat to help reduce stress.

You may be seeking out some holiday stress relief this time of year. With the 6 easy and quick things I mentioned, there are things you can do to reduce stress and anxiety.