Tuesday
Drop some coins in the Salvation Army bucket.
Wednesday
Eat the sweets, skip the guilt.
The holidays are stressful enough without berating yourself.
So in a “weak” moment, you ate cookies for breakfast?
Don’t sweat it.
Besides, most cookies have less sugar than a bowl of Smart Start cereal!
Thursday
Breathe in for four counts, out for eight.
Don’t force the air out (that creates tension); just release.
That kind of exhalation stimulate the vagus nerve, which lowers your heart rate and relaxes the entire body.
Message to yourself: Don’t forget to actually enjoy yourself this season!
Lavender and ylang-ylang scents are particularly soothing, but any favorite fragrance will do.
“Every time you treat yourself well, you feel more in-control.
If you give yourself credit for it, it amplifies the physical stress-relieving effect.”
So give yourself props for finding a peaceful oasis in the mall!
“Put yourself in your loved ones' shoes,” Dr. Wheeler suggests.
