Less Stressful Holidays, Relaxation Tips - circle of health

December 2008 - Vol 3 Issue 12

Less Stressful Holidays
Relaxation tips that really work
by Michelle Gibeault Traub, R.D.

Cooking, cleaning, decorating, shopping, wrapping; with all you have to do to prepare for the holidays it may feel like there is just no time to relax. Don’t fall into that trap! The holidays are supposed to be filled with cheer, if we get overwhelmed with responsibilities there isn’t any time for fun. Here are some tips to help you relax and truly enjoy this holiday season.

Soak Your Stress Away

I have fond childhood memories of splashing in the tub. In fact, I loved it so much that on at least one occasion I jumped right back into the bath fully dressed in my pajamas. In spite of my fondness for warm water and bubbles, somehow as an adult I had forgotten just how relaxing a bath can be. I have recently added baths back into my routine. At least once a week, I lock the bathroom door; fill the tub with warm water, a few drops of lavender oil, and a ½ cup of Epsom salts; and I settle in for a long soak. I use the tub time to practice deep breathing which adds an additional element of relaxation since the lavender-filled air is very calming. The addition of Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) offers deep muscle relaxation. As an added bonus the magnesium that gets absorbed through the skin is good for bone health and detoxification. At the end of the bath I slather on some skin-softening lotion, wrap myself in a cozy robe, and unwrap an Adora Calcium - the perfect ending to my relaxation ritual.

Remember to Breathe

When I was planning my wedding I was on stress overload. An acquaintance wrote me a note stating, “Remember to breathe.” I thought she was crazy. I was stressed, not brain dead. Or so I thought. When the big day came I was so anxious and excited that breathing easily could have slipped my mind. I now often remind myself to breathe when feeling overwhelmed. Taking a moment to focus on breathing is a great distraction. Besides there is nothing more uplifting than a boost in oxygen levels. Practice deep breathing techniques by placing your hand on your abdomen. Take a deep breath while counting to 5 as you feel your belly rise. Hold for a count of 2 and then exhale for a count of 5. Repeat for 5 to 10 breaths as you feel your tension being blown away.

Make Your Home “Scent”sational

Aromatherapy really works wonders for relieving tension and improving your mood. You already know that lavender makes for a relaxing addition to a nighttime bath. But, there are lots of other scents that can be soothing. Festive scents like peppermint and evergreen are great at evoking pleasant holiday memories. I particularly enjoy the scent of peppermint because it is both calming and energizing at the same time. Purchase peppermint oil from a health food store, and place in a terra cotta decanter, or mix with water and heat in an oil warmer to fill your whole house with the fresh, inviting aroma.

Those Who Matter Don’t Mind

We all know people who are chronic complainers at holiday gatherings – the house is too cold, your tree is too bright, this egg nog is too eggy. Whatever you do they are bound to find something wrong. To put their rants in perspective recite the mantra, “those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” It helps you to refocus your attention on the positive people in your life who appreciate your efforts.

Less Is More

One of the cardinal rules of stress relief is to simplify your life. If you are stressed by making ten different kinds of cookies, stick to your favorite three. If you get overwhelmed with retail stores, make your own gifts and handmade cards. Remember the holiday season really all boils down to one thing – sharing love. Whether you share your love with gifts, baked goods, or simply a kind word and a loving smile, the message is still the same.

Happy and healthy holidays to all of you!