How to survive the busiest time of the year 🎄

Everyone struggles with stress, especially around this time of the year, and that is perfectly normal! Stress is a feeling of being under an abnormal amount of pressure, whether from an increased workload, an argument with a family member or friend, or the ever present, financial worries.

Therefore, it is important to manage and reduce stress levels to protect your health in the long term. Stress can leave you emotionally drained, tired, physically unwell and unmotivated, so let’s look at some ways that can help you reduce your stress levels.

Get moving!

Exercise is a fantastic, proven way to reduce stress levels. When you exercise, your brain produces and releases endorphins. Furthermore, these neurotransmitters can help you feel good and reduce stress levels. This improves your mood and allows you to relax and sleep better. By setting aside time each day to exercise, you build a positive routine which can improve your emotional health as well as your physical health and, in turn, your confidence. Frequent exercise can help you in supporting your immunity, cardiovascular health, and stamina, therefore our stress levels decrease. The recommended amount of exercise a week, depends on our age and our ability, it is important to research and plan ahead, setting yourself targets, vision boards or photos and rewards are a great motivational tool.

Almost any type of movement can help reduce stress, so do something you love.

• Firstly, you can start with a warm-up routine to get your body ready for the workout.
• Secondly, you can try some low-impact exercises like yoga or Pilates to reduce stress and improve flexibility.
• Thirdly, you can incorporate some high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to burn calories and improve cardiovascular health.
• Moreover, you can also try some outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, or swimming to enjoy the fresh air and scenic views.
• In addition, you can join a fitness class or hire a personal trainer to get professional guidance and support.
• Finally, you can end your workout with a cool-down routine to help your body recover and relax.

Remember, the most important thing is to find an exercise that you enjoy and that suits your fitness level. This will help you stay motivated and make exercising a fun and rewarding experience. Good luck! 💪

Pamper yourself

Life can get very busy and stressful and sometimes, you may feel like you’ve got no time for yourself. Putting aside 30 minutes for yourself each day is a great way to reduce stress. Run a bath, meditate, try a face mask- whatever tickles your fancy, make sure it is all about you. In addition, lighting a candle is a great way to unwind after a long day; not only will this relax you, it can help elevate your mood and the atmosphere around you. Try scented ones with eucalyptus and citrus fruits, like oranges and lemons, these are well-known for boosting our mood and reducing stress.

Reading

Although you may not like to read, it is a great form of stress release, as well as a way to broaden your mind and perhaps your personal growth. However, if holding a good book isn’t for you, then we suggest trying an audio book, one of our personal favorites’. Let the words wash over you, choose an audio from a narrator or an accent whom you like to listen to, whilst you relax and let your imagination flow with the rhythm of the story. There are also many Apps available to choose from too, these can help your learn all about how mindfulness and mediation, breathing techniques are also a very popular way to help manage stress and increase our well-being.