Daily Archives: December 8, 2011

Dear stress, let’s break up. At least for Christmas.

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“I love the holidays. They are so peaceful and happy.” – You. Doesn’t that sound nice? Here are some tips for proactive stress care from our friends at the No Stress Foundation. Know someone that would also like to have a peaceful holiday? Me too. What a nice pre-holiday gift to share.

5 Ways to a No Stress Holiday

Here are some simple tips to help keep your holidays fun and enjoyable. Shared via my long-time friend, Aimee Le Zakrewski Clark of The No Stress Foundation™. Thanks Aimee!

1. Don’t forget to breathe. 

Usually when we are stressed, we forget to breathe. It’s simple. Consciously breathing will allow your body and mind to be more relaxed … We promise. This works! (see below for tips on Proactive Stress Relief Breathing).

2. Ask for help when you need it. 

Communicating your needs and asking for support whether it’s help wrapping presents, washing dishes, cooking, or a ride to the airport, is a great way to take care of stress. Solution? When someone asks “can I help with that?” (and you need help) … say yes.

3. Spend within your means.

The holiday season is meant to be loving and joyful and can sometimes get overshadowed by the pressure to give. Knowing (and honoring) your limits is one of the most important ways that we can live a No Stress life … and remember, gifts don’t always have to come in a box … (Click here for some alternative gift ideas).

4. Do things because you WANT to (not because you HAVE to).

The holidays can be decked with obligation – you can keep it jolly by replacing the  “should’s” and “have to’s” with “I can’t wait to do that” … and by the way, it’s o.k. to say no every once in a while.

5. If the drama comes, let it go. 

Let’s be honest, the holidays will present some drama. Solution: See step #1, followed by letting it go … Seriously, this works too!

Happy Holidays from The No Stress Foundation™!

Proactive Holiday Stress Care:

Take 5 Stress Relief Breaths (SRBs) at the start and the end of each day.

During holiday season, it is easy to take on bits and pieces of stress without even knowing it. Doing SRB(s) will allow you to begin and end your day letting go of that stress.  Click here for the steps: Stress Relief Breathing