As we all know, 2020 has been a whirlwind of a year. Most of us have seen our stress levels rise due to the numerous unforeseen events that occurred, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
When we get stressed, our bodies and minds can be at a higher risk of suffering from numerous conditions such as headaches, panic attacks, depression, and even heart attacks.
Thankfully, the year is now coming to an end. With the holidays approaching, this is a great time to unwind from any stress and anxiety that may have built up in the past twelve months.
Wondering how you can unwind and destress? We’ve put together some great ways for you in this article. Keep reading to learn more!
Do some Stretching or Yoga Activities
Finding some time to stretch our bodies can feel really good, especially when we are feeling stressed. Stretching helps boost circulation, increase oxygen flow, and helps us release tension that’s built up in our muscles.
You may have never done yoga, but that doesn’t mean you can’t give it a shot. Find some beginner yoga videos online and see how you feel after one session.
Yoga and stretching send mood-lifting blood flow to our brains and help slow our heart rate and blood pressure. Need a pose to get you started? Then try the famous eagle pose to start your stress relief journey.
Watch Something Funny
We all love to laugh, but did you know that it is also good for your health? That’s why watching a great comedy or laughing with your loved ones can be a great way to destress. Laughing makes your immune system stronger, lifts your mood, reduces pain, and actually shields you from the damaging effects that stress brings.
Life seems to get more serious as we age. Taking some time to laugh can do wonders to lift our burdens, release negative feelings, and build up positive vibes.
Try Some Light Gardening
If you aren’t a green thumb by nature, you may be surprised to learn that gardening is one of the best activities for relieving stress. Being out in the fresh air and sunlight naturally boosts our moods while getting in touch with nature can help us feel lighter.
You don’t need to have a massive garden to experience the benefits of gardening. Find a few easy to maintain indoor plants to get started or start a small bed of plants on a patio.
Get Back to Your Favorite Hobby
It’s easy to fall out of practice with our hobbies when life gets busy. The end of the year is a great time to get back in touch with the activities we love.
Hobbies keep our lives full of fun and play a big role in reducing the negative impact of chronic stress. In fact, studies show that people with hobbies are less likely to suffer from stress, low mood, and depression.
Looking for a new hobby to start? Some examples of great hobbies include painting, writing, biking, fishing, and reading.
Take a Nice Luxurious Bath
Most of us don’t usually take time to soak in a hot bath. This is unfortunate because baths are a wonderful way to calm our minds and bodies. Carve out some time for a relaxing bath that lets you unwind from your daily routine.
Here are some tips to make your bath spectacular:
- Get the temperature warm enough to relax but not uncomfortably hot
- Light some candles to set the mood
- Add some Epsom salt to decrease inflammation and muscle pain
- Play some calming music
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many great ways to destress this holiday season. Life can get stressful but there are a lot of things we can do to lighten our burdens and reset before the start of a new year.
Taking the time to lower our stress levels can do wonders for all aspects of our lives. Make a list of some stress-relieving activities you are interested in and treat yourself to some fun and relaxation this holiday season.
AUTHOR
Maneeza Hasan Maneeza is a content marketing professional from Los Angeles, California. She loves to create content that helps people live better lives. To learn more about her please visit her website at www.maneeza.com