MUSIC THERAPY
|
Tips for Beating Hoiday Stress You have probably noticed holiday decorations and gift displays already up in all the stores reminding you that the holiday season is just around the corner, How can this year be different? Here are a few Mind Body Music tips for beating holiday stress and feeling more connected this holiday season. Hopefully you'll find a few suggestions that will be helpful to make you feel more whole and well during this year's holiday season. 1.) MUSIC - listen to your favorite relaxing music whenever possible (use headphones for privacy). If holiday music is relaxing, go ahead and listen to as much as you would like. If holiday music stresses you out even more, make this a time to escape from the holiday music and listen to something you find relaxing. In addition, try listening to relaxing music or nature sounds 2.) WALK - regular physical activity works wonders in coping with stress. Continue your regular routine during the holidays, if you already have a physical fitness regimen, or add a physical routine if you do not have one yet. Take at least 30 minutes of time during you day just for you, and do something physical. 3.) RELAX - Give yourself at least 15 minutes each day of peace and quiet. Soaking in a hot bubble bath can help release your troubles into thin air. Breaking free from the family, a breath of fresh air, or escaping 4.) BREATHE - take time to be with your body and your mind. Breathe in evenly through your nose, letting your abdomen expand. Breathe out slowly and evenly through your mouth. Try to breathe consciously for at least 10 minutes. During this time, your mind will wander. Try not to get upset or frustrated with yourself. Just notice that your mind wandered, and go back to focusing on your breath. 5.) VISUALIZATION - close your eyes, take three deep breaths, and imagine yourself on the beach or in any beautiful place of you choose. Take yourself to your destination with as many senses as possible. Not only will you see yourself there, but also try to smell, touch, taste, and hear everything around you. 6.) EAT HEALTHFULLY - proper nutrition promotes health and well-being, which enhances your resilience to stress. Try your best to eat more fruits and vegetables throughout the day, and notice your energy level increase during the holiday season. People tend to eat too much especially during the holidays. Be aware of how much you are eating, and make attempts to eat in moderation. Try to eating smaller meals throughout the day, so you don't get too hungry. And, remember to take a little bit of everything - nothing is off limits. If you deprive yourself, you will most likely crave it later and this could trigger a binge later on. 7.) LAUGH – find more humor in you life. Try not to get bogged down in the everyday mishaps and problems. Learn to laugh at yourself more often. It is also helpful to just laugh – laugh at nothing. Take a deep breath and just laugh. Laughter can make you happier – and healthier. Try to think about your true meaning for the holidays. I don't think anyone would say that true meaning of their holiday is to get stressed out, yell and scream at everyone around them, and get bogged down in all the details, would they? Try to focus more on the big picture, and enjoy the funny moments.
To occasionally receive information on new services, promotionals, and other changes, send a blank email to newsletter@mindbodymusic.net to register for updates. You may unsubscribe at anytime. Kimberly Atwood,
M.A., MT-BC, LCAT, CGP| kim@mindbodymusic.net | (917) 696-8418 |
