Holly, Jolly and Stressed Out

It's getting to be the Most Wonderful Time of the Year again. Yep, that’s right... the holidays are on their way.  Every year they keep coming back!  And right as we learn that there is just X number of days left to get Little Johnny that magical new toy that made it to the top of every kid's wish list this year, we begin juggling our already full schedules to include decorating, shopping, wrapping, baking, gatherings, parties, holiday performances, and many times out-of-town guests.  Just typing this blog post is invoking feelings associated with the season for me.  No, not joy, warmth, and generosity... but stress, anxiety, and tension!

If you can relate, do a little nod right now while reading, and then take a long breath.  For this is the gift I am offering you this season.  Breath.  It is the simplest way you can begin to relieve stress and tension, anytime.  You can do it now, while reading this.  Try it.  It works.

Sit up tall, keep your back straight, shoulders relaxed, head up, your eyes focused ahead.

Take a deep, cleansing breath, expanding your belly and keeping your shoulders relaxed, and hold it in for the count of six.

Exhale. And repeat twice more.

Then breathe normally, and focus your attention on your breathing. As you breathe, inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth, expanding your belly rather than moving your shoulders up and down. This deeper breathing is more natural and similar to how babies breathe. It will increase your lung capacity, whereas the ‘shallow breathing’ adults usually do doesn’t allow as much oxygenation of the blood. Feel the air move in, and feel the air move out. Continue this for as little or as long as you like, and you should notice that your body is more relaxed and your mind more centered. 

There are other simple ways to manage holiday hustle-and-bustle stress without adding another "to do" to the list. Dianna Lucas, Holistic Living Specialist, advises opening your mouth wide and piercing the air with the sound of a scream to keep from blowing a gasket.  Lucas suggests a time-saving approach of letting off steam in the car by actually emitting guttural screams (sans passengers of course) while driving to the mall.  Doing so will give you some release, and by combining it with a necessary outing, you won't add to your hectic holiday schedule.  Just drive and shriek and discover the cathartic effect that a loud, shrill, intense scream can have on you.

So during the countdown to the holidays remember these free, minimal time commitment stress relievers.  Breathe and scream... and go get that toy for Johnny.