First of all, what is stress?
Everyone experiences stress at some point in life, which can be triggered by a range of events.
Stress is a body response including physical components such as an elevated heart rate and blood pressure, thoughts and personal beliefs about the stressful event, and emotions, including fear and anger.
Contrary to what we think, December could be very stressful;
It could be caused by work, food, money, love, and the environment (specifically with the pandemic and new restrictions). It could also be caused by reacting to old beliefs; the messages in your mind. Being in that state of mind has a direct impact on your well-being.
Here are 3 ways to lower your stress level during this period of the year.
Stop overthinking, it’s time to enjoy some time off for yourself and share some quality times with friends and family. It’s Christmas time!
1. Enjoy the present 💡
Be in the moment!
I have recommended, in one of my articles about self-improvement; The power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. I have learned that we can’t be anxious if we are in the moment because nothing is happening now. Being anxious and stressed means you are living in the past or already thinking about the future (the unknown).
One of the exercises that you can do the be sure you are aware of what happens around you now and not dreaming and thinking is reconnecting with your breath; consciously take some deep breath and look around you, look at details you never saw before (promised it works!).
"I have gotten better at saying to myself, Relax and just take this moment in. Appreciate it for what it is." - Chris Carmack
2. Reconnect with yourself 🧘🏻♀️
It’s cocooning time!
Enjoy some activities at home like reading a book (I have a list of must-read about self-improvement you can check), studying, and practicing relaxation techniques like mediation and yoga to release stress.
During this time of the year, the weather becoming colder and the daylight shorter, I have discovered Relax Yoga myself during the lockdown, and what a discovery 🧘🏻♀️
📍It Stimulates the meridians (energy) bringing balance to the body.
📍Improves flexibility
📍Calms and balances the mind and the body
📍Reduces stress and anxiety.

If this activity it’s not for you, how about a nice bubble bath with candles, or calling a friend?
For some who love the outdoors, how about some long walks or running in the park, forest nearby for some fresh air while listening to your favorite playlist? No better way to empty the mind!
You can also increase your creativity with other activities (that you can share with family and friends); puzzles, pottery, dancing in your living room, cooking your favorite meal, planning a weekend away, and watching your favorite movie (with hot chocolate and tea).
An activity I personally discovered recently is writing in a journal;
Writing down your thoughts of the day, how you feel, a list of 3 things you are grateful for is such a stress release. It put everything into perspective!
Find something you enjoy doing for yourself and you will see your level of stress will decrease. Examine your values and live by them; the more your actions reflect them, the better you will feel, no matter how busy your life is. Use your principle when choosing your activities!
"A holiday is an opportunity to journey within. It is also a chance to chill, to relax. It is when I switch on my rest mode." - Prabhas
3. Set realistic goals and expectations for next year 🎯
It's completely fine and healthy to realize you can not be perfect and successful at everything all at once. Life is challenging (otherwise it would be boring!) and learning is one of the exciting parts!
Be mindful of the things you can control and work on accepting the things that you can’t. I’m talking with experience, I used to be an impulsive, impatient person and anxious when it comes to the unknown, and things I can’t control. I have worked on it while in lockdown; I try to embrace changes, and stress (not always negative} It is often the force behind changes and moves us forwards into growth, awareness, and healing. I’m not saying I have succeeded completely but I’m more aware of the situation and act differently on events that used to scare me.
The idea here is to stop putting too much pressure on yourself, life is unpredictable, accept it, it's part of being alive!
"Don't make things too complicated. Try to relax, enjoy every moment, get used to everything." - Angelique Kerber
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