Beat the Christmas Stress

With Christmas and New Year fast approaching, here are a few pointers to help you take care of your mind and body over the festive season to help beat the christmas stress :

Have fun – when you start feeling stressed, stop and do something that you enjoy doing – make a cup of tea, go for a walk, dream about the next holiday you would like to organise or better yet, organise it!

Exercise – yes you have heard it all before, but exercise releases endorphins’, and helps your body absorb extra stress hormones. So go for a walk, join a walking group, make exercise fun.

Sleep – you function better with eight hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. You need to train your body clock, so go to bed at the same time each night.

Sunlight – Who doesn’t need vitamin D? So get out into the sunlight, remember the best natural source of vitamin D comes from the sun, at least 15 minutes of sunlight a day.

Diet – you know what I am going to say – a healthy dose of green vegetables will keep your vitamin levels high to stimulate serotonin, which balances your mood.

Cut the bad habits – the release of our stress hormone cortisol is stimulated by caffeine and nicotine and alcohol is a depressant. So, try not to over indulge, like anything a bit is always good, but eating the 1 kg bar of chocolate in one sitting is never good for anyone. If you do like having a drink or two, please make sure that you don’t drink and drive.

Mindfulness and meditation – these activities regulate your feeling of wellbeing and happiness. Even 10 minutes a day can make a difference.

Stay safe, until the next time – all the best.

Zoi Yannakis – Accountant

OPTIMA PARTNERS