If this time of year drives you crazy, then you’re going to love these helpful ways to reduce stress and put you on the path to a happier holiday.

You have food to cook, shopping to do, a family that needs you, a career that demands you, presents to wrap, events to attend, and the list could go on and on. However, what’s often not at the top of the roster is how to deal with all of these obligations and reduce your overall stress levels. While we aren’t promising miracles, we do think that these proven methods will bring you some relief.

You probably know by now that exercise and meditation are proven ways to release endorphins and minimize stress, but sometimes when you’re in the thick of things working out and attempting to find your inner yogi can seem more like a curse than a blessing. Rather than having to psych yourself up to partake in sweating it out, we’ve rounded up a few ideas that won’t feel like an extra chore to add to your lengthy holiday to-do list.

Whether you have a few seconds, minutes, or hours, these ways to reduce stress are simple, enjoyable, and can be done before the holidays arrive.

1. Social Media Break

Don’t worry, it’s not forever, but a little break might do you some good. If you’re feeling defeated because Sally has already decorated her tree, prepped for Thanksgiving dinner, and is showing off her umpteenth handmade DIY project (that doesn’t look like it was slapped together by a 5-year-old), then you’re not alone.

According to anxiety.org, social media sites, and the addiction that often accompanies, has a real propensity to cause anxiety, depression, and stress. The “compare-and-despair factor,” as it’s so accurately called, conjures up feelings of self-consciousness and the need for perfectionism. You might be surprised at how much more productive you become, or that you have a few extra minutes to indulge in good book once you ditch the apps.

2. Hug Somebody

When I get stressed the last thing on my mind is taking the time to slow down and appreciate those closest to me. Bad, I know. But, according to Carnegie Mellon researchers, a hug a day can have tremendous health benefits.

Sharing a hug with someone delivers feelings of having greater social support, and thus reduces the risk of infections as a result of stress. The subsequent oxytocin release also promotes feelings of calmness, closeness, and intimacy. All things we could use a little more of during the holidays.

3. Avoid Alcohol

A glass of wine may seem like a good coping mechanism to deal with the curveballs life throws at you, especially during the holidays, but Psych Central discourages this sort of behavior, especially if you have a family history of alcoholism. High levels of stress may affect the quantity and frequency of your drinking, making it likely that you’ll consume much more than intended.

De-stress with teas like chamomile, peppermint, and kava, the last of which has a highly-researched and proven track record of combating anxiety. For additional drink options that will help put the brakes on feelings of stress, check out Natural Living Ideas for more suggestions.

4. Think Happy Thoughts

Don’t know about you, but I’m definitely guilty of stressing myself out. Not only do I live in the future or the past when I should be in the present, but I can get bogged down by negative self-talk in a jiffy. Although thinking happy thoughts may be an older, more widely-known technique for reducing stress, it’s importance never goes out of style.

Sometimes it’s easy to think up a happy thought on the fly, while other times our minds are so entrenched in the muddied patterns of negativity, that we couldn’t conjure up a cheerful sentiment if we tried. Luckily, Tiny Buddha has 20 thoughts that will help relieve depression and anxiety for when you just can’t even.

5. Nix the Politics

According to The Washington Post, “Americans cited ‘hearing about what the government or politicians are doing’ as the most frequent daily stressor on their lives.” Now that the election is over, magnify that by a thousand. Talking politics is treading on shaky ground, so we suggest avoiding it all together this holiday season.

While it’s important to exercise our First Amendment right, sometimes it’s okay to skip the political banter in favor of something more lighthearted. The last thing we need around the holidays is contention, and while you can’t guarantee that all of your relatives will follow suit, you can set the tone for your gathering by asking guests to refrain from discussing politics. And if they just can’t help themselves, then have a few ideas on hand to interject with and change the subject.

6. Get Lost

Whether it’s in a book, in the woods, while watching a funny movie, or conquering that craft project, the bottom line is: focus on something that brings you joy and less on the things that are causing your stress. Next to doing nothing and letting your mind recharge, getting lost in the process and letting your cares melt away is a great de-stressor. Even if it is only a temporary escape, it’s certainly a healthy one.

What do you think about our ways to reduce stress? Share your thoughts with us on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

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Congrats, you’ve officially survived the holidays – and there are plenty of ways to relax to celebrate.

I’m a firm believer that how you spend the first day of a new year sets the tone for the rest of the year. And unless you’re insane, you don’t want to spend another year filled with stress, overwhelm and worry; you want to spend your time how you’ve always wanted to, amiright?

Just because your life isn’t exactly how you want it to be doesn’t mean you can’t start taking the baby steps to get there – and one of the first things you need to kick to the curb is all that stress you keep piling onto yourself. Starting now.

Here are 9 ways to relax to start your new year off right:

1. Stay in bed as long as you want

Don’t let your mind fill up with “I should do this” or “I have to do that.” Today, you shouldn’t and you don’t have to.

2. Have a leisurely breakfast

Make the breakfast you’d make for yourself if only you had more time – because today you do. Do some reading, listen to music, and you know, chew.

3. Get all dolled up

Take a relaxing shower and put on your favorite outfit of all time. Look through all those braided hairstyles and makeup techniques you have bookmarked and give them a whirl.

4. Take a time out

The best part of a day off is not being aware of what time it is – and not giving a… well, you know. Do whatever you feel compelled to do in the moment to get back in touch with your instincts: Eat when you’re hungry, drink when you’re thirsty, nap when you’re tired.

5. Unplug

You’re going to be tempted to check your email and check for texts and phone calls – do everything you can to resist the urge. This is your day that you’ve earned and then some. Don’t let the outside world poo poo all over it.

6. Pack up your worries

If you’re anything like me, taking a day off is really hard. In fact, sometimes it feels more stressful than working. If this is the case for you, take anything work-related that might steer you away from the ways to relax you have planned – your cell, your laptop, your to-do list – and put them in a box. Write down anything left undone, any loose ends you need to tie, and anything you’re worrying about and throw them in the box too. Now hide the box under your bed. (This sounds weird, but it’s wildly liberating!)

7. Choose an activity

What’s something you’ve always wanted to do but never have time for? See a movie? Browse the aisles of a bookstore? Meet a long lost friend for coffee? Start redecorating your home? The key is to not plan your afternoon, but do what your heart tells you to right that second.

8. Try a new recipe

Don’t just have any old dinner. Today you can cook without having to rush your way through the process. Throw on some tunes and make yourself a restaurant-worthy meal.

9. Go to bed early

Head to bed with a good book and make a pact that from now on you’re going to steal time away from your stressful routine and bask in doing nothing way more often.

What are your favorite ways to relax?

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Today is Stay At Home Because You’re Well Day, which means you’re going to need fun things to do. You’re welcome.

As far as I’m concerned, Stay At Home Because You’re Well Day should become as sacred a day as Thanksgiving. Too many of us only take time off when we’re sick, or because someone else is sick, or because we’re faking sick. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to say, “I feel so fabulous that I’m not coming in to work today,” and you know, not get fired?

Since it falls on a Sunday this year, you basically have no excuses holding you back from finding fun things to do and making your dream day off a reality. Do things today because you want to, not because you have to.

Need some inspiration? Here are 13 fun things to do on your well day:

1. Start your day off right

You know those 2,412 corners you cut in the morning just to get out the door on time? Take the morning and spend it exactly how you’ve always wanted to.

2. Read a book

None of this read-a-sentence-then-get-up-and-do-something-more-responsible nonsense. I’m talking sit and read chapters at a time here, people.

3. Do as your cat does

The fact is, cats know what life’s all about. He’ll definitely be able to teach you a thing or seven about how fabulous me time really is.

4. Finish something that’s been bothering you

Whether your closet’s in disarray or you haven’t done a digital detox in a while, organize something in your home or finish a project that’s been hanging over your head – you’ll feel amazing afterward.

5. Catch up on your favorite television shows

That is, if Twitter hasn’t already ruined the suspense for you.

6. Play video games

I mean, shouldn’t you find out once and for all what all the fuss is about?

7. Find a Pinterest project

You know those Martha Stewart-esque Pinterest projects we all want to try but never get around to? Now’s your chance! And who knows? It might turn out exactly like the picture! (And a unicorn might gallop through your living room!)

8. Have a nap

Seriously, take one for the team.

9. Update your playlist

When was the last time you downloaded new tunes to jam out to? (In my case, I’m pretty sure CDs were still popular.)

10. Try a new workout

If your exercise routine’s feeling a little stale, look into new workouts at your local gym (or on your local YouTube) and go to town.

11. Road trip it up

If you’re dying to hit up a store or two, go on a road trip to the next town over for a change of scenery – and since you won’t be rushing around, you’ll actually get to notice it.

12. Reconnect

Check in with yourself and how your life’s going. It’s the perfect opportunity to tap into those emotions we tend to ignore for the sake of our to-do lists… or rather, our to-do scrolls.

13. Do nothing

That’s the beauty of today: It’s one of the few opportunities you get all year to not only do nothing, but not feel guilty about it afterward. Indulge. Enjoy. Or not. Whatev. (That was my lame attempt at being casual.)

What fun things to do are you planning to indulge in?

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