Quick Stress Busters To Use During The Holidays

(CARLSBAD, CA) – For better or worse, stress goes hand in hand with the holidays. When you feel overwhelmed by all the shopping, family gatherings, entertaining, and travel, Jazzercise CEO Judi Sheppard Missett suggests taking a break with one of the following stress busters.

— Slip into a bubble bath. Indulge in a 30-minute steamy bubble bath complete with candles and soft music. You’ll emerge feeling relaxed and refreshed.

— Call a friend just to chat. Share a funny story, catch up on family news or discuss the latest Hollywood gossip. Turn the focus away from the holidays with some light-hearted chatter.

— Get a massage. Even a short massage can lower stress levels, as evidenced by a study of 82 bedside nurses at a small suburban hospital. Researchers found that study participants who received a 10-minute chair massage reported lower levels of perceived stress than those who simply took a 10-minute break from work.

— Aromatherapy. Lighting a scented candle can go a long way toward relieving stress, especially if it emits a scent that you associate with happy or relaxing times. Studies indicate some interesting physiological responses to scent. For example, the scent of chamomile can put people in a better mood and lavender increases alpha wave activity in the back of the brain, a sign of relaxation.

— Take a nap. We live in a sleep-deprived culture, which only intensifies stress. Recharge with a 20- to 30-minute nap, but be careful to time it just right. Sleeping for too long mid-day can throw off your regular sleep schedule.

— Go to a movie. Lose yourself in a romantic comedy or action flick. Keep it light and fun; if you’re looking to reduce stress, now is not the time to delve into disturbing or sad subject matter.

— Take a vacation day. Give yourself an entire day to complete your gift buying, address holiday cards or bake cookies. Devote a large block of time to seasonal tasks, rather than trying to fit them in around the edges of an already busy schedule.

— Eat some chocolate! Researchers have found that eating chocolate causes the brain to release endorphins, chemicals that make us feel good. During the holidays, yummy chocolate is usually within easy reach. Just remember to keep your nibbling within reason.

— Exercise!! Probably the best stress buster of all, exercise is the perfect way to reduce tension and anxiety brought on by the strain of spending more money, eating more food and cramming more activities into your day. Schedule a workout at least three times a week and stick to it! You’ll be happier and healthier for it.

Yoga is a good choice for individuals looking to lower their stress levels.  Many of the poses and exercises encourage relaxation. Try the following rest positions the next time you need to decompress or after a good cardio workout.

First, lie face up on a mat or other soft surface.  Bend your knees and place your feet flat on the floor, placing them slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.  Allow your knees to fall inward and touch, so that your thighs are resting together.  Now drape your arms across your chest and let them relax too.  Breathe deeply and try to relax your muscles, allowing your body to let go and letting gravity take over. 

Next, stretch your limbs out into a “corpse” pose.  Just let your arms and legs relax and continue to breathe deeply as you visualize your stress melting away.

Jazzercise, created by Judi Sheppard Missett, is the world's leading dance-fitness program with more than 6,800 instructors teaching 30,000 classes weekly in the U.S. and around the globe. Since 1969, millions of people of all ages and fitness levels have reaped the benefits of this comprehensive program, designed to enhance cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility. For more information on Jazzercise go to jazzercise.com or call (800)FIT-IS-IT or (760)476-1750.

Courtesy of Jazzercise, Inc. - jazzercise.com