5 Ways I Relieve Stress

There’s no doubt the holidays are filled with wonder and joy. But it can also be stressful with halls to deck, trees to trim, social calendars filled to the brim, and presents to wrap. Not to mention holiday menus to plan.

No wonder when January arrives our tank is running on empty and we feel stressed out. No bueno! Stress is the root of most diseases so we need to find ways to manage stress. It comes as no surprise that women take on more stressors than men.

We’re nurturers at heart and even though our kiddos may be grown and flown we’re still running our homes and caring for elderly parents or relatives. So let’s take a moment and de-stress. Today, let’s look at 5 ways I relieve stress.

The Summary

  Today, I’m sharing 5 ways I relieve stress, especially before, during, and after a holiday season

  Each of my shared tips shared is what works for me. 

  When under severe stress, make sure to consult with a trained professional

5 Ways I Relieve Stress

1. Say “No”

It’s all too easy to say yes, especially during the holiday season. But when we over-commit, it can leave us feeling frazzled instead of fulfilled. It’s possible to experience too much of a good thing. So be mindful, be moderate, and say no. 

2. Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder of SAD is a real thing. It’s brought on by the changing seasons when the days are shorter and the nights are longer, and there is a deprivation of light. If you live in a cold climate, the weather can cause us to spend more time indoors.

When the sun sets at 5:30pm, it’s all too easy to climb into our pajamas and eat a meal filled with carbs, watch endless hours of TV, or scroll through TikTok or Instagram feeds then hit the snooze button.

The winter blues or SAD can affect our mood and cast a pall over our life. Light therapy has been know to work or try an early morning walk when the sun is shining instead of late afternoon when the sun is setting.

3. Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Sleep is the key to a healthy life. When we sleep our brains and bodies recharge. Without enough sleep it’s next to impossible to concentrate or think clearly. Aim for seven to nine of hours of sleep each night. 

• Establish a bedtime and stick to it.
• Maintain a comfortable temperature. My thermostat is set to 66 degrees fahrenheit at night.
• Ban electronic devices from your bedroom. Yes, that means your phone. I place mine in the bathroom so I can’t reach for it during the night but if an emergency arises I can easily access it.
• Invest in the best bed linens your budget can afford.

4. Exercise At Least 20 Minutes a Day

Because, well, there actually is no better pairing than a denim jacket and a graphic tee.

In fact, we just ran a whole post about it, which you can read here.

5. Watch “Emily In Paris” Instead of the news

I am all for keeping current with the news but let’s face it the news these days just makes us mad. It’s okay to take a break. I promise the news will still be there if and when you’re ready to tune back in and I bet the headlines haven’t changed that much… So instead of turning on your favoritie newscast use that time to turn on a comedy instead. I just finished season three of Emily in Paris and loved every minute. It’s mindless fun set in one of the most beautifu cities in the world. But if Emily isn’t your thing listen to a podcast, YouTube video or watch West Wing or Parks and Recreation for the millionth time. It’s a nice change of pace.

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About The Author

Beth Djalali

is the Founder and CEO of Style at a Certain Age. She writes Sundays-Fridays on all topics ranging from fashion, health, wellness, home design and more.

She’s 66, 5’8, and size 8.

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