7 Healthy Ways to Diffuse Stress

The last two months of the year are crammed with holidays that can stress out even the most mellow among us. Aside from the emotional toll stress takes, it also affects our health.

To help you have a more enjoyable holiday season, try these seven stress-busters.

Take a deep breath.

A simple technique to help you stay in the present, instead of worrying about the future, is to slow down your breathing. Bringing your breath into a slower cycle signals to your body that you are in control and signals your brain to stop releasing the cascade of stress chemicals.

Plan ahead.

Set boundaries on your time and availability during the holidays. Try to say yes to what will bring you joy and no to what will cause you stress. Be gentle. Stop pressuring yourself to get everything right. Be flexible and speak to yourself with acceptance and loving kindness.

Be gentle.

Stop pressuring yourself to get everything right. Be flexible and speak to yourself with acceptance and loving kindness.

Manage expectations.

 Ask family and friends for gift suggestions within your price range, then shop during off-peak hours when there are fewer crowds and shorter lines.

Watch your budget.

Create a shopping budget you can live within. Consider budget-friendly gifts that will have meaning to your friends and family, whether it’s a handcrafted item or something with sentimental value.

Take a hike.

Actually all you need is a quick walk to relieve some of the tension building up in your muscles. Walking helps your body produce endorphins — your body’s

feeling good chemical.

Squeeze in some vitamin C.

When women are stressed, their bodies metabolize at a slower rate, according to recent research. Instead of indulging in those high-calorie comfort foods, try foods high in vitamin C, such as blueberries and oranges.

Chronic stress weakens our immune system and can compromise the digestive system.