Smart ways to deal with stress

Feeling exhausted? With Christmas just a few days away, most of us are dealing with last-minute shopping, budget concerns, family visiting, long-haul travel, and all the stress associated with work deadlines, it’s no wonder why most of us are burnt out after the holidays.

Here are some smart ways you can relax and recharge your batteries after the busy holiday season:

Go to a spa

One of the best ways to really unwind is to enjoy a spa break. This allows you to get some much needed relaxation. Take along a few friends and make a weekend of it and you’ll return home feeling like a whole new you.

Relax with friends

Sometimes when we’re really stressed, it can be tempting to hide away from friends and family members. But you’d be surprised how much hanging out with friends can help take your mind off your problems and give you a much needed laugh. Even when you’re the most stressed, be sure to schedule in time with your loved ones so you can distract yourself from your worries.

Get active

We all know that exercise releases endorphins, which help us feel good. But often when we’re stressed or busy, exercise is the first thing to go. If you’re feeling stressed, hitting the gym for a sweat session can be an excellent way to relax. If you’re low on time, a simple walk around the block or a stroll on the beach can do wonders for your mental state.

Be organised

Often, those feelings of stress and anxiety can be managed by being more organised. If you feel like you have a lot on your plate, make a list of all the things you need to do and mark them as either urgent, needing to be done soon, or unimportant. Next, grab your calendar and schedule in the most urgent tasks. Simply acknowledging these things and working them into your busy schedule can help significantly reduce your stress.

Talk it out

Sometimes, what we think is stress is really covering up another problem. If you feel like you’re always anxious on edge, or you tend to get weighed down by the little things in life, it’s a good idea to think about your life as a whole. Do you feel like you’re managing your stress effectively, or do you think your stress is actually an underlying issue? It’s not normal to feel anxious, stressed, or depressed all the time, so if this sounds like you, you may need to speak to a professional.