In the midst of all of this joyful celebration planning, it's easy to become a little frazzled about some detail or other. Self magazine recently posted some tips on how to eliminate stress before it even arrives, and I wanted to share a few with you:
1. Stash smart snacks
When you get stressed, you're more likely to reach for cookies and sweets — it's part of our wiring. The thing is, you're not about to go out and kill a wild boar with your bare hands; you're sitting in a traffic jam at the mall. In other words, you don't actually need those extra calories. Fill your cabinets with healthy snacks you enjoy — low-fat string cheese, apples and peanut butter, low-fat yogurt with a few dark chocolate chips mixed in. This way, when that fight-or-flight response kicks in, you'll be prepared to satisfy the urge without packing on the pounds.
When you get stressed, you're more likely to reach for cookies and sweets — it's part of our wiring. The thing is, you're not about to go out and kill a wild boar with your bare hands; you're sitting in a traffic jam at the mall. In other words, you don't actually need those extra calories. Fill your cabinets with healthy snacks you enjoy — low-fat string cheese, apples and peanut butter, low-fat yogurt with a few dark chocolate chips mixed in. This way, when that fight-or-flight response kicks in, you'll be prepared to satisfy the urge without packing on the pounds.
2. Exercise — and like it!
It's no secret that exercise is a fantastic way to bust stress. What most people don't realize, is that engaging in physical activity that you don't enjoy can actually promote a stress response. So if you dread going to the gym, don't do it. It will only add to your stress. Instead, pick activities you like — whether it's jump-roping, a mindful walk a few times a day or driving golf balls at the indoor range.
It's no secret that exercise is a fantastic way to bust stress. What most people don't realize, is that engaging in physical activity that you don't enjoy can actually promote a stress response. So if you dread going to the gym, don't do it. It will only add to your stress. Instead, pick activities you like — whether it's jump-roping, a mindful walk a few times a day or driving golf balls at the indoor range.
3. Get quality zzz's
"Sleep deprivation is actually used as a torture technique, because it's such a great stressor," says Thea Singer (author of Stress Less: The New Science That Show Women How to Rejuvenate the Body and the Mind). In other words, regardless of whether you need to put that turkey in the oven at 4 a.m., find a way to get a solid 6 to 8 hours of sleep a night, especially during the holidays.
"Sleep deprivation is actually used as a torture technique, because it's such a great stressor," says Thea Singer (author of Stress Less: The New Science That Show Women How to Rejuvenate the Body and the Mind). In other words, regardless of whether you need to put that turkey in the oven at 4 a.m., find a way to get a solid 6 to 8 hours of sleep a night, especially during the holidays.
4. Have a girls' night
Thea Singer says this is one of the most natural and easy ways to keep stress in check. Brains scans show that when people are in positive social situations, the area of the brain associated with physical pleasure lights up. Of course, the important thing is to choose your holiday social engagements carefully. Politely decline those that aren't as appealing for you (random neighbors, your Sig O's obnoxious co-worker, etc.) and RSVP "yes" to those that you'll actually look forward to.
Thea Singer says this is one of the most natural and easy ways to keep stress in check. Brains scans show that when people are in positive social situations, the area of the brain associated with physical pleasure lights up. Of course, the important thing is to choose your holiday social engagements carefully. Politely decline those that aren't as appealing for you (random neighbors, your Sig O's obnoxious co-worker, etc.) and RSVP "yes" to those that you'll actually look forward to.
So, take it easy, and have fun! These special times are meant to be meaningful, memorable, and enjoyed.
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