The number one tip is to take care of yourself first. Reserve time during the busy holiday season to relax, read a book or listen to music. Participate in any activity that brings a sense of calm. A hot bath, a holiday concert, or a daily walk through the park can provide natural stress relief. Aim for at least one stress relieving activity per week, or more if needed. Also, try some natural stress relief products like meditation tapes and aromatherapy lotions, listed below.
If holiday anxiety stress isn’t helped by these methods it is recommended to seek help from psychologists or therapists. Venting is sometimes enough to relieve stress. If venting isn’t enough, psychologists are trained to teach stress relief management. They can provide personal guidance in several healthy stress relief techniques.
Natural Stress Relief Products
There are many natural stress relief products on the market:
- Guided meditation audiobooks, CDs or DVDs are a common anxiety stress reliever. Meditations are available as mp3 downloads on Amazon or iTunes for as little as $0.89 for 20-minute meditations. Entire CDs can also be purchased for as low as $10.99 or less. Load meditations on an mp3 player and listen before bed or anytime holiday stress is too high.
- Meditation books provide in-depth guidance. Books are available at all price points. Meditation for Dummies (Stephan Bodian, 2006) provides all the basic steps to learning meditation, and it comes with a meditation CD, all for under $20.
- Natural stress relief lotions use aromatherapy to provide healthy stress relief. Aveeno Stress Relief Moisturizing Lotion is available in drug stores for under $5. Dermalogica Stress Relief Treatment Oil is great for massage or after a bath, available online for around $26. And L’Occitane has a line of Revitalizing essential oil products for $16 to $25. Available online or in L’Occitane retail stores. Or choose any relaxing fragrance and apply any time anxiety stress rises.
Healthy Stress Solutions
Meditation, aromatherapy, and activities that promote relaxation all provide holiday stress relief. These natural stress management techniques go a long way toward easing holiday tension. If stress relief products aren’t working and anxiety stress gets out of hand, remember to seek out the help of professionals. Psychologists are specially trained to teach stress relief techniques and their help can be invaluable during holiday months.
