Happy Holidays From Decatur Active Living

December 24, 2013 by Leave a comment

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Happy Holidays from all of us at Decatur Active Living!

We know the holidays can be stressful, so we encourage you to relax, go with the flow, and enjoy your days and nights. Here are some tips for staying stress free from Modern Mom Blog.

1. Use Imagery

Take a moment to imagine yourself in a beautiful, peaceful place. Maybe it’s a luxurious beach resort that you vacationed at or somewhere that you dream of going to. The key is to momentarily remove yourself from the current anxiety-provoking environment in order to release some of the tension you feel.

2. Breathe

Breathing exercises are a great way to relieve stress anytime and anywhere. They’re easy to learn, easy to use, and can be done as soon as you feel any tension. A simple and effective exercise is to “inhale peace” and “exhale stress”.

3. Light A Candle

Aromatherapy can help you feel calmer and more at peace. Light an aromatherapy candle or have essential oils available to smell in times of stress and chaos.

4. Move that Body

Get up from sitting, (especially important on or after long flights). Take a short walk. In as little as 5 minutes you will feel like you were able to separate yourself from the current situation, regroup and feel like yourself again.

5. Have a Drink of Herbal Tea

To relax, nothing is better than a cup of herbal tea. Chamomile tea is one of my favorites because, in addition to being an aid for stomachaches (which are often stress-related), it is also a great sleep aid.

6. Listen to Music

Music can really transport you. When you are feeling stressed, just tune in to some mellow or soothing music and feel your stress just slip away.

7. Develop a More Positive Attitude

Optimists and positive thinkers experience better health, less stress, and más suerte (more luck) in life. Developing a more positive frame of mind may take a little time and practice, but it can change your life and how you live it. Practice makes perfect and the rewards are well worth the effort.

Maintain Your Sanity, Stay at Peace

Do whatever it takes to maintain your sanity and stay at peace during this, and every, holiday season. Happy Holidays!

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Healthy Monday: Strengthen Your Support System

December 17, 2012 by 1 Comment

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Quality social relationships can reduce stress and help you lead a more fulfilling life. Close family ties or friendships may also reduce physical manifestations of stress that can disrupt digestion, insulin regulation, and your immune system. The best part of all is that social support will benefit your loved one as well!
 
Research shows that the quality of the connection matters for stress reduction, so take some time to strengthen your most important relationships this week! Give an old friend a call, or build upon budding friendship by scheduling a fun activity.

For more information on Healthy Monday and the Monday Campaigns, click here.

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Fifty Ways to Relieve Holiday Stress

December 14, 2010 by Leave a comment

Ideas from Healthcentral.com:

1)      Get a massage, today many places offer 10 minute massages.

2)      Talk to a friend about how you are feeling, both good and bad, to help you understand and vent your emotions.

3)      Stay home at least one evening a week to re-energize.

4)      Attend parties you want to and say “no” to those you don’t want to attend. For those you feel obligated to attend, show up for a short amount of time and then excuse yourself.

5)      Take a hot bubble bath.

6)      Make sure you go to bed on time, sleep is so important this time of year.

7)      Volunteer at a local shelter or food bank

8)      Stop for a cup of steaming hot chocolate.

9)      Bring a book, crossword puzzle book or suduku puzzle book with you to relieve stress.

10)  Watch your favorite holiday movie.

11)  Bake cookies and give away to friends or neighbors.

12)  Say “I love you” or “Thank you” to someone you care about.

13)  Send a letter, holiday card or care package to our soldiers deployed overseas (www.anysoldier.com)

14)  Listen to your favorite music.

15)  Meditate.

16)  Read a book.

17)  Forgive someone.

18)  Do a holiday activity with your children.

19)  Create a “new” family tradition.

20)  Stick to your regular routine as much as possible.

21)  Make a holiday shopping budget (and stick to it).

22)  Reduce shopping, buy gift cards.

23)  Use lists to make your life easier.

24)  Delegate chores whenever possible.

25)  Continue to take your medication during the holidays.

26)  Limit the amount of alcohol you consume.

27)  Spend a day making extra meals you can freeze for nights you don’t have time to cook.

28)  Reach out to someone you haven’t talked to in awhile.

29)  Make your holiday dinner “pot-luck” to simplify what you need to accomplish.

30)  Avoid impulse shopping; make a list before you head to the mall.

31)  Visit a museum.

32)  Keep lavender with you, the smell of it can help you relax.

33)  Keep a diary or journal to help vent emotions.

34)  Take a drive in the country. Stop for hot chocolate.

35)  Laugh.

36)  Review your expectations of the holiday season.

37)  Start an exercise program (talk with your doctor first).

38)  Take a walk.

39)  Stop eating once you become full.

40)  Reduce or eliminate caffeine.

41)  Drink extra water.

42)  Treat yourself to a manicure.

43)  Don’t sweat the small stuff (and remember, everything is the small stuff).

44)  Volunteer to visit those that are homebound. Bring homemade cookies or holiday treats.

45)  Do something you enjoy doing.

46)  Limit worrying to a “worry hour” in the evening, then let worries go.

47)  Remember your deep breathing exercises.

48)  Follow family traditions, even if you are not with your family to help you feel more connected.

49)  Go to a movie by yourself.

50)  Keep peace, compassion, understanding and forgiveness in your perspective.

No matter what you choose to do this holiday season, it is so important to take care of yourself and create traditions based on your beliefs. The best way to relieve holiday stress is to surround yourself with loved ones, those that accept you without judgment.

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