Saturday, December 17, 2011

Are the Holidays Stressing you OUT!

I apologize for not writing in such a long time.  Currently, my day job has me working on a very important project that is just sucking up all my time plus the holidays.  You get the picture. So with all this work comes stress as well as fighting the mall traffic.  I went shopping the other night; mind you, I live in a small town, but geez.  I pulled up to the one and only Old Navy and I could not find a parking place.  Boy was that stressful! Therefore, I ordered it online. However, that got me thinking that if I am stressed you guys are too! 

 
So here is my attempt at providing you helpful tips to make it through those stressful times in your life.   Some pressure is good but stress is not. So here are my top ten things that help when I am frazzled!

  
   Star's Top Ten Stress Busters!

1.      Get your rest!  I know you are burning the candle at both ends.  Sleep is the only time our growth hormone is produced.
2.      Get your B-vitamins – load up on whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, rye, oats, and those dark green veggies.
3.      Eat magnesium-rich foods – stress can deplete your muscles of magnesium. Dark green leafy vegetables are full of Mg. Not your thing? Try pumpkin seeds, black beans, or scallops.
4.      Try using deep breathing techniques when you are stressful situations!
5.      Get a massage, or give one – we are social beings who physical contact.
6.      Listen to your favorite music!
7.      Laugh – force yourself if you have to. Laughing reduces your cortisol level and increases your blood flow. Do something child-like – swing, skip, reconnect with the things you love. Live in the moment.
8.       Avoid stimulants like caffeine, sugar, and alcohol. These affect your nervous system and stress your adrenals – they produce a stress response in your body.  Do not drink them!
9.      Make a list. When it seems like there are a million things racing around in your head, write it down and you can then check those last minute gifts off the list or buy the turkey, I promise it will feel good!
10.  In addition, maybe the most important thing, spend your time with the people you love. Work will always be there!  You can always give a gift late, but those special moments are once in a lifetime!


                 Wishing all my friends and family a Happy, Safe, and Calm Holiday Season!