Just relax | part 1|

If you feel overwhelmed around holidays, you are not alone. With the holidays, we all have a few bittersweet memories that pop up. If only we could turn around stress and negativity to something more productive–easy to say but difficult to do most often.

The problem

The holidays are especially stressful because of the financial burden in finding the right gifts and keeping up with the popularity of giving the “latest and best” gift items.

The solution

The meaning of the upcoming holidays really is about remembering one another and acknowledging them with a token of appreciation for what they have done. Create custom gifts that are easy to make yet add the personal touch to your holiday giving. Acknowledgement need not be expensive when sharing the holiday spirit. Shopping online, anytime, anywhere is invaluable and makes your life easier.

The problem

Worry about weight gain.

The solution

Unfortunately, many people dread the holidays because they worry about weight gain. It doesn’t have to happen if they choose foods carefully, be wise about portion size, and make sure they gat some form of exercise every day. It is important to be physically active during the holidays as they are filled with parties and big meals. Eat nutrient-rich foods and then you can indulge in holidays drinks and treats in moderation of course. Alcohol is high in calories. One and one-half ounce of gin, rum or wino has about 116 calories. To reduce calories, drink light beer instead of regular (save 40 to 50 calories)

Relax with cup of Green Tea with Jasmine. Studies show that green tea has been shown to increase fat burning in the short term and boost the metabolic rate. Green Tea with Jasmine – a light, delicate tea with its floral aroma is an ideal afternoon or after holiday dinner tea. This special green tea is from Fujian Province in China, it has a subtle character as the finest leaves are sprinkled with jasmine flowers in late spring and after a few hours the tea becomes infused with the flower’s sweet perfume. Jasmine tea has a relaxing scent that many people find refreshing and romantic.

The problem

No time for exercise. Holidays are almost here and it’s time to get back in shape.

The solution

Stick with your exercise routine through the season is a great stress reliever. In order to reach any fitness goal, you need to get a full night’s sleep to help your body recover. Keep also a healthy diet, and make your personal training program varied depending on how much time you have to devote it. Try to find time for exercise – walk briskly around your neighborhood for 10 minutes. You don’t have to walk miles to get a good workout. Increase your speed and you will burn more calories.

The problem

Too much holiday stress

The solution

When you feel stressed, overwhelmed and tired, your body is telling you that it needs brake. It needs more relax and more sleep, less anxiety or shorter workdays. Pay attention to your filings and your own needs during the holiday season. Just relax…

Try meditating when you feel yourself getting stressed. Meditation helps you draw attention inward and calm the mind. People who meditate regularly say it provides physical and mental benefits including stress reduction.

Drink some tea. According to Alternative Therapies in Health Medicine, 57% of people with mild to moderate stress and anxiety experienced significant improvement after drinking chamomile daily*. Chamomile tea has a soothing herbaceous scent that many people find calming. If you are not green or herbal tea fan try a cup of refreshing Yorkshire Gold tea. A blend of the finest teas produced in the peak growing seasons in Assam and Africa. A rich, golden liquor that is full of character ad brightness with a brisk, refreshing character.
 

Add aromatherapy to your relaxation routine. The best essential oils for stress are lavender, chamomile, geranium or rose. If you feeling overwhelmed these pure oils relieves holiday stress and anxiety and calms your nerves.

Listen to music, because music has the strong power to improve your mood. Listening to soothing music is a recognized way of lowering your stress. When you’re feeling a little too tense, turning on holiday music gets you back in the holiday spirit and good, happy memories. This always does the trick.

Source: *Alternative Therapies in Health Medicine, issue Photo: brands of britain