Acupuncture is an effective way to manage stress. Anyone that has come out of a treatment with that “acupuncture haze,” as we sometimes call it, knows what I’m talking about. However, when you don’t have, or make, the time to get a treatment, I want to offer you some other helpful tips for this Holiday Season that will help with your stress levels.
‘Tis the season to be jolly — and also stressed out. Remember; whatever your intention is, you will manifest it. If you’re feeling irritable, rushed, resentful, lonely, or overwhelmed, keep these strategies in mind to help relieve that stress and shift your intentions:
1. Get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation is a major disturber of people’s moods. Jet lag, traveling, parties, and over-excited children all make it hard to get your usual number of hours.
2. Exercise. Studies show that one of the quickest and surest ways to relieve stress is to exercise. A short walk or stretch will help. Even better, exercise outside, where the sunlight will help improve your mood and focus. While it’s been pretty chilly recently, it’s also been unusually dry and sunny for this time of year, here in Portland.
3. Stay in control of your eating. Guilt about holiday binging is a major source of the blues. Some folks do this via abstaining altogether, others are able to control with moderation. Whatever works for you, do it.
4. Take your time; plan ahead. Hurrying to pack, rushing through stores, sprinting to make a flight – these are sure to put you in a bad mood. Try to give yourself plenty of time to do what you need to do.
5. Learn from the past. What has made you unhappy in years of old? Think back. Avoid your triggers. Stay out of the kitchen, stay out of the mall, stay away from Uncle Billy – sometimes there’s a weird triumphant satisfaction in getting worked up, yet again, by a particular situation. Don’t do it! Don’t expose yourself to known stress risks.
6. Make time for real fun. Sometimes holiday vacations, which are supposed to be “fun,” are actually a huge hassle. Figure out ways to have fun. Include time for things YOU like to do: going to a movie, taking a nap while everyone else goes skiing, going to the gym
7. Behave yourself! If you sulk, snap, tease, or shirk, you’re not going to feel happy. It may feel good, but only for a moment. Then you’re going to feel bad. Instead, try to help out, bite your tongue, clean up, or run to the store. Look for opportunities to say, “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it,” or “This is fine,” or “What should I be doing?” Do good, feel good—this really works! The way we act shapes the way we feel, so if you act in an affectionate, thoughtful way, you’ll feel more affectionate and thoughtful.
8. Fill your heart with love and gratitude. When you are feeling love and gratitude, it’s quite difficult, if not impossible to feel stressed at the same time. This can be hard to do, but it will make you less stressed and focuses and aligns you differently. If you are less stressed, those around you will be better able to less stressed.
Holidays are supposed to be a time of peace, love, and fun — and we can’t bicker, complain, and nag our way there. Figure out what YOU need to do to keep a holiday spirit. Number One on my personal list: GET ACUPUNCTURE to get grounded and de-stress. Of course,,,
You knew I would say that.
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