How to be relaxed.

It’s that time of year again. The holidays have arrived. Some of you are cheering. Some of you are not. For those of you in the latter group, we feel you. Running between personal and professional demands, attempting to meet the expectations of the season and trying to pay for it all, well, can be, overwhelming. 

It is no surprise some of us would rather put our heads in the sand and wait for the season to pass. The holidays can be, in a word, stressful. We’ve put together a short list of relaxation tips, so you can enjoy the season, not hide from it.

1. Make time for you. Yes, that means doing something nice for yourself. Do an activity that replenishes you. Maybe it is a hot bubble bath. Maybe it is a yoga class. Maybe it is reading a book. Whatever it is, please do it. If you hear yourself saying you don’t have time, you definitely need to make the time.
   
   
2. Keep a budget. All you have to do is write down how much you are going to spend for the season: gifts, travel, dinners out, etc. Then stick to the budget – no matter what. You’ll be glad you did when you open your credit card statements and check your bank balances in January.
   
   
3. Ask for help. This is not easy to do. We know that. Asking someone to bring a side dish, so you don’t have to make or buy it. Asking someone else to host the party, so you don’t have to clean the house – before and after. Asking friends, family and coworkers to hold a white elephant exchange or Secret Santa, so you only give one gift.
   
   
4. Exercise each day. It doesn’t have to be a lot, just 10 minutes at the end of the day so you can unwind and let go of the day. Of course the endorphins released will help you feel better too.
   
   
5. Use herbs. Several herbs can support relaxation, including Passionflower, Skullcap and Betony. These three herbs and a few more are in Stress ReLeaf®.