FIVE WAYS TO COMBAT HOLIDAY STRESS

Long lines and frantic shopping. Back-to-back parties, decadent buffets, rich foods and diet-busting treats. Visiting family, overspending and crowded parking lots – is it any wonder that this time of year can make you feel stressed out and less than wonderful?

The problem with stress is that it’s more than just feeling anxious or short-tempered. Stress can have real health consequences, like heart disease, worsening asthma and diabetes, depression, and even obesity.

That’s why we’ve rounded up these five holiday stress-survival strategies to help you say bye-bye to holiday stress and hello to a happy, healthy, and energized you.

Walk away your worries: Take time to get moving when you feel your stress levels rising. In fact, schedule a regular workout with as much enthusiasm as you schedule cocktail parties and potluck dinners. Physical activity has many health benefits, including working wonders for getting your mind and body back in balance and releasing excessive stress.
Stop and smell the citrus: Oranges, lemons, and other citrus, readily available at this time of year, have been shown to have stress-reducing properties. For a quick pick-me-up, take a quick whiff of a little lemon or orange essential oil.
Learn to say no: You don’t have to go to every party, luncheon, cookie exchange and after work get-together. Saying yes to everything means less time for exercise, quality time with family and “me-time” to relax and enjoy the season. Get comfortable saying no once in a while; your stress levels will thank you.
Watch your diet. Healthy eating regulates blood sugar levels, which helps prevent mood swings, lack of energy and illness. Skipping meals to save up and binge on a big dinner or to offset too much rich food or alcohol at parties is guaranteed to backfire and send your body into a stressful tailspin. Make it a point to stick to regular, healthy meals as much as you can, practice portion control, and give yourself permission to indulge – not overindulge – once in a while and you’ll be set.
Keep your body in balance: Make sure you include Optimals Vitamins and Minerals as part of your daily routine. Cleanse and detoxify with Restoriix and, as a general rule, try not to eat too late in the evening.