Check-In, Chill Out! Relaxing On Holiday
It’s the most wonderful time of the year – or is it? It’s no secret that the holiday season can be exhausting, expensive and stressful. The shopping, the crowded malls, traveling and over doing it with doses of sweet desserts and alcohol can all lead to a jolly mess!
According to a depressing news article published by Johns Hopkins Medicine , the holidays bring as much stress as they do joy. This holiday season, make sure to gift yourself the gift of wellness by keeping the following tips in mind.
Here are Virgin Hotels reminders on how to manage the season, with more joy and less stress:
WALK
Walk it out! Sometimes you need to distance yourself – both mentally and physically – from stressful environments. Seriously, walk as much as possible – take the stairs, skip the Uber, and grab a friend who can distract you from the things causing you stress. If it’s not too chilly, head outside. Sunshine helps stimulate the production of feel-good serotonin.
Loosen up, take a break and burn calories all at the same time. Research has found that workouts can even boost your mood for up to 12 hours. What’s not to love?
SLEEP
Sleep does so much more than banishing those puffy, under-eye circles. Getting quality sleep is one of the best things you can do for your body. Being recharged helps you keep a positive mindset. Hit snooze on Netflix and chill plans, dim your screens and get more shut eye every night.
Did you know good sleepers also tend to eat fewer calories? Poor sleep affects hormones that regulate your appetite. Bring on the zzzzz’s!
HOLIDAY ZEN
Raise your hand if you meditate regularly? A recent report found out that only 8% of millennials use meditation as a destressing tool. Meditation is a powerful de-stressing tool any time of year, but when we are extra flustered or rushed during the holidays, it’s the perfect way to center yourself and chill out.
The best part of it all? You can meditate anywhere you’re at. Long line at the store? No worries, you got this. Take a couple of slow, deep breaths and focus on breathing in and out.
BE KIND
You can’t change how others act during a stressful holiday season, but you can change how you respond to certain situations. It’s important to remember that someone’s bad mood is rarely your fault. The less you take things personally, the happier you’ll be.
Simple acts of kindness like a smile or helpful hand can really make someone’s day – and in turn, make yours.
Follow these tips and you’ll be balanced, healthy and stress-free right. Remember, feel festive, not flustered. Cheers!
