The holiday season is upon us and it’s so easy to get stressed out about everything that needs to be done. Here are a few creative ways to unwind and clear your mind. 

Take Time to Play

There is nothing like playing outside. Running around playing tag, playing sardines, jumping on the trampoline or hide and seek are all glorious wastes of time. You’re going to feel great getting outside and the colder weather makes your body work harder so you burn more calories! You’re being silly, having fun and most importantly, you’re not inside with the dust bunnies. Stuart Brown with the National Institute for Play (yes, Virginia, there is such a thing) says that everyone benefits from play time. Stuart says that it boosts your sense of well being, mental health, physical health and strengthens relationships. Whether that’s with your kids or your spouse, the ability to play enthusiastically is a great stress buster. If you don’t feel like bundling up, that’s OK. Even playing a board game or inviting friends over for cards can help out a lot.


Beat the Crap Out of Something

Struggling at work? Trying to get over a bad breakup? Just need to let off some steam? Kickboxing is awesome. It’s a great healthy way to get out your frustrations, work up a sweat and get healthy in the process. If you’ve ever been so mad you could just punch someone or if you’ve ever dreamed of kicking in a door, you go through both of those motions and it feels so good. I was at a class once and the trainer asked me “Who are you mad at?!” He could just tell I was getting out some pent up frustration. You leave feeling much better about things. Not just because you beat the crap out of something, but because the exercise gets the endorphins going and makes you feel good.


Shhhh…

This next one is hard for me, but sometimes I just need to do it from time to time. Just be quiet. Some self guided meditation at home can be of real benefit. Just find a quiet space somewhere and just sit there. Don’t bring your phone, don’t bring a book, don’t turn on the TV, don’t think about work, don’t allow your kids to disturb you, don’t let anything distract you from your main focus – you. If that means finding a quiet place in the house, taking a bumble outside or taking a bath. Just let the day melt away. Don’t think about the past or what’s for dinner. Just be present in the here and the now. Just don’t talk to yourself or anyone else.

How Do You Relieve Stress?

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