7 Ways to Cope with Stress

This time of year, more than any other, we get stressed. Although the Holidays are supposed to be a time for us to relax and enjoy our friends and family, oftentimes we as a society get stressed-out and caught up in all of the planning, preparation and details of these events. Every year, we ask ourselves “why do we put ourselves in that situation?” or we vow to never spend the holidays the same fashion next year. Then, without fail, the next year comes around and we’re suckered into the same routine. We’re creatures of habit.

If you’re not going to change your environment or traditions, then make sure that you take time to de-stress amidst all of the chaos the Holidays inflict. I have a few tips on how to relax and take time for you.

Take a bath – Fill up the tub with some nice hot water, get out your bath salts, sugar scrub, and grab your favorite magazine. Set a nice relaxing atmosphere. I like to turn all of the lights off and light a couple of candles. I get the water nice and hot and then open the windows or turn the fan on to create some extra white noise and circulate the air. Get in the tub, and take deep breaths. While doing this, try to clear your mind and think of the relaxing atmosphere and smells around you. I don’t usually read because it leads my mind to wander, but I know that many people like this extra distraction. See what works for you.

Walk/Run – Get out of the house and go for a walk or a run. Go by yourself. You need the time to clear your mind of any worries or stressors, and another person along won’t allow this to happen. Physically working off some of the stress will be a big relief and will release some of those pent up emotions. Let your body be the guide. Run or walk for as long as you feel necessary, and don’t go back until you feel more at ease with yourself and/or the situation.

Yoga – This is a great pre-holidays exercise. In fact, it’s perfect post-holidays as well. If you’ve never tried yoga, I strongly encourage getting out there and trying it. Many gyms or wellness centers offer free or very reasonable classes. Check into this with your local gym. Yoga is the perfect blend of mind and body relaxation and stretching. You’ll leave the class feeling more at ease and at peace with your surroundings.

Read – Get your favorite book out. Even if you’ve already read it, read it again. Get immersed in the plot of the story and you’re bound to forget about the things that are bothering you. Read until you’re feeling less anxious. Putting your mind to work by reading will help you relax subconsciously.

A Hobby – Whatever it may be: knitting, golfing, scrap booking, gardening. You don’t have to think about it too much; if you’re an avid knitter, just pick up those needles and get to work on something that you won’t have to learn something new. Just go back and forth with the same stitch. It doesn’t have to be a big, new, glamorous, intricate project. Just turn your focus to the task at hand, which you enjoy, and it will keep your mind and your fingers preoccupied.

Get Away – Remove yourself from the situation. If you’re at your in-laws for the weekend and stuck there, don’t dwell on the situation. Get in the car and take a little drive. Go and get a soda at the gas station or stop at a nearby coffee shop and read the newspaper while you cool down. Getting away from the circumstances will help you to better judge your emotions and rationalize what you’re feeling. It may be just the break you need to wind down.

Distract Yourself – Distracting yourself from the stressors will help you to wind down. For me, cooking or baking always helps. I can put my mind and body into the task at hand and forget about the things stressing me out. You can distract yourself in a variety of ways: play a board or card game with your spouse or kids, organize the pantry, and vacuum the house. Find what works for you to take your mind off your stress and anxiety.

These are just a few tips to deal with the stressors this holiday season. Take time this year to de-stress yourself and you’ll find the holidays to me a much more enjoyable, bearable time of year.

What works for you when you’re feeling stressed? How do you deal with it?