5. Ditch your phone, laptop
There is a scientific connection between smartphones and stress – people constantly check messages and alerts and worry why they haven’t heard back from boyfriends, girlfriends, potential partners, work, etc. Turn off your phone for a few hours. You won’t miss the messages but you may miss some fun times with the family or friends.
6. Lower your expectations
This is a big one, according to Golden. People have great expectation for Christmas since it’s just once a year but the reality is different. They want everybody to get along and be happy but the truth is that having a lot of people, all of whom have their own individual personalities, can be challenging. Don’t obsess over everything being perfect because it never will be. Accept than and enjoy yourself.
7. Put pressure on the hoku spot
According to Chinese medicine, the fleshy place between your index finger and thumb can do wonders. Squeeze it hard for about 30 seconds and you should feel less stresses and tense. People often do this when they have a headache. The Hoku point is popular in acupuncture and acupressure to relieve pain.
8. Spend time out of the house
Studies have shown that being outdoors boosts creativity and improves mood. So next time you start feeling too many emotions, just grab your jacket and go for a walk or plan to meet people in the park or in a bar or a restaurant. Try not to stay in small enclosed spaces for too long. Your house and office are enough.
10. Breakfast before coffee
You probably have heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day? So why not start fresh with high-quality nutrients rather than caffeine? Drinking coffee on an empty stomach sharply increases your blood sugar making you irritated and anxious.
13. Don't schedule too many things to do
If everybody is taking time off, why should you work more? Don’t fill your schedule with more tasks than you can handle. Don’t put yourself in a position where you feel overwhelmed or pressured to finish everything you’ve planned for. It’s OK to slow down.