The holidays can get even the happiest of us a little cranky. From the stress of picking out the perfect gifts, to too much family time, or even work, this season is always hectic. If you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up, just try one of these eight tips.
Call, Don’t Text
It’s been proven: getting a text doesn’t have quite the same positive effect as actually hearing someone’s voice over the phone. It has the ability to lower the listener’s stress levels and boost oxytocin in your body.
Snack on Citrus
Citrus is known to improve your mood. So snack on an orange or grapefruit, or even just add some lemon to your water for an instant boost.
Smile (Seriously)
It really does make a difference! Grinning, even when you might have to force it at first, helps you relax when stressed out. A recent study conducted by University of Kansas put people through stressful tasks and those who smiled had lower heart rates and reported feeling less frazzled than those who didn’t smile.
Ditch the Trash-Talk
When you’re a negative Nancy, it really does affect the people around you. It’s contagious and basically you end up surround by negativity which does nothing to help your stress level. If you find yourself wanting to vent about someone, write it in your journal instead.
Use a Lamp
Overhead lighting can leave you feeling irritable and ramp up stress levels. Instead, opt for soft lighting, which helps soothe you.
Grab Coffee with Friends
A recent study showed that getting your caffeine fix in a group helps lower stress levels. On the other hand, going alone made people feel more stressed, so make sure you grab a coffee buddy before you go.
Do a (Short) Workout
Exercise always makes you feel better, and research has found that short, high-intensity workouts actually have a greater effect on stress than slow-paced exercise. So when you’re feeling uber stressed, go hard on the treadmill for 20 minutes in lieu of an hour of yoga for the best relaxation benefits.
Make Out
…or just kiss and cuddle with your man. Psychologists found that even just a little bit of physical contact is enough to lower your blood pressure and make you feel calmer. Sounds like the perfect excuse to take a cuddle break, asap.
How do you keep your cool during the holidays? Share your stress busting tips below!
