As much fun as the holidays can be, it can also be one of the most stressful times of the year. If left unaddressed, it continue to snowball and worsen as the year goes on. If you’re still dealing with holiday stress, it’s time to take steps to relax and de-stress.
These practical tips will help you relax and welcome the new year with a bang.
Spend time outdoors
Seasonal affective disorder is in full swing in winter. It is thought that SAD sufferers are affected by the shorter daylight hours in winter. I understand that it’s dreadfully cold in most parts of the country. Taking a walk outside may be the last thing you feel like doing right now, but if you’re down in the dumps and feeling blue, spending time outdoors can be of great help. In fact, it’s a great way to relax your mind and relieve stress and anxiety.
Do something you love
With today’s stressful lifestyle, it is important to spend time to do something you love and enjoy. Involving yourself in a hobby is not only enjoyable, it also offer a number of health benefits. It can improve cognitive abilities, boost your mood, and alleviate stress.
The New Year is a great time to try something new. Baking, dancing, reading, gardening, painting, and journaling are great hobbies that can be therapeutic and incredibly enjoyable. Now, all you have to do is to pick a hobby and stick to it.
Unplug
Between making calls, reading emails, keeping up on social media, and replying to text messages, having a smartphone can be a cause of stress for most people. Not only does it affect our relationship with others, it can also negatively affect your productivity.
Too much time online can increase stress. Studies suggest that disconnecting for even a short time can help reduce stress and help you become more productive.
Schedule a disconnect time and stick to it. Perhaps, you can start with checking your phone once every hour and then increase length of disconnect time.
Keep your gadgets out of reach so you won’t be tempted to check your emails or return calls after work hours. No checking of phones when with family and friends or when walking or commuting.