Unfortunately, the holidays can be filled with stress as well as bliss.  Most of us like being with family and friends, eating good food, and having a little time off from work.  But, because we try to jam so much into this season, we often end up not enjoying the very things we were looking forward to for months.  One lady I spoke with said it was like getting ready for a wedding, you plan for months and then it is over in minutes.

While we can’t change many of the things we do this holiday, we can try to grab some relaxing time in between events.  Here are some ideas for 15 minute stress relievers:

Deep breathing exercises help relax and reenergize your system

Put on some relaxing music and close your eyes for 15 minutes

Take a 15 minutes walk outside or dance to music for 15 minutes (this helps release the built up stress homones)

If you have a friend around, take 15 minutes to give each other a quick back. foot, or even hand massage.

If you have a bit more time, you might try these:

Go for a longer walk or plan some other work out time

Take a power nap

Schedule a massage

Take a long bath with lavendar essential oil in your bath water.

Drink a cup of cammomile tea and listen to some peaceful music. (Yoyo Ma playing on his cello – Ahhh)

Watch the funniest sitcom episode you can find.  (My favorite is I Love Lucy doing “Vitameatavegimin”)

It is also important to gravitate towards healthy food when possible and drink a lot of water to keep your system working well.  Crunch on some organic carrots, apples, or celery and snack on almonds for energy.

Feel free to add your own stress relief ideas, the more the better.

Happy holidays to you all!

Deb