12 Days of Stress Relief

  • December 13th, 2021
  • By Pathway Caring for Children

We all need to take care of our mental health!

Mental Health is the wellness of your thoughts, feelings, and view of the world. If we don’t manage and express our thoughts to others we feel alone, and our mental well-being suffers. Just as we pay attention to what we put in our bodies and how we treat our bodies, we need to pay attention to what is in our mind that could be harming us. Use these tips and tricks to take time for yourself this holiday season and keep it going all year round!

1. Eat Dark Chocolate

Several studies link dark chocolate to all sorts of health benefits including antioxidants.

Antioxidants are substances that may protect your cells against free radicals, which may play a role in heart disease, cancer, and other diseases.

2. Exercise

Release some mood-boosting endorphins! Just 30 minutes a day can help.

3. Laugh!

Soothe and release some tension. Laughter can also stimulate circulation and aid muscle relaxation to reduce feelings of stress.

Go look up a funny video!

4. Aromatherapy

Try aromatherapy to reduce levels of cortisol. Certain scents like lavender are calming and soothing.

5. Be Mindful & Aware of the Positives

There is always something good to think about!

6. Listen to Music

Studies have shown that listening to nostalgic holiday music triggers the emotional portion of the brain that brings back memories from childhood and happy times.

So, crank up the sounds of the season!

7. Don’t stress about your weight

Don’t stress over any holiday weight gain- allow yourself to enjoy the treats. Studies show most people only gain 1-2 pounds.

8. Try an Electronics Cleanse

Turn off the phone or tv and power down for a bit.

9. Practice Gratitude

Evidence suggests that gratitude is linked to happiness and more satisfaction with life. Also remember, showing gratitude can have a lasting impact on someone who needs support, especially, during this unique holiday season.

10. Take a Break!

Or 5 throughout the day! This will help improve productivity and regain focus.

11. Ground with your 5 Senses

Take control of your thoughts- take a minute to identify and verbally acknowledge the following…

· 5 Things you can see

· 4 Things you can feel

· 3 Things you can hear

· 2 Things you can smell

· 1 Thing you can taste

12. Connect with a friend or family member

Good relationships a vitally important to both our physical and mental health.