Is your New Year's resolution to de-stress already stressing you out? Here are some tips to help you unwind.
2013 will bring lots of New Year's resolutions, and the stress of keeping them up along with it. Dr. Megan Hood, a clinical psychologist with an expertise in stress management at Chicago’s Rush University Medical Center, said trying to attain a more stress-free existence is a pretty popular goal around the holidays and the new year. But staying away from stress is not as simple as making a New Year’s Eve wish. “That tends to be a common goal, a nice broad goal,” Hood said. “But it also tends to be challenging.” Still, Hood has some tips to keep stress at bay. TELL US: How do you de-stress? Are you resolving to stress less in 2013?
Dealing with stress or feelings of loneliness this holiday season? The Cleveland Clinic's wellness coordinator gives simple ways to beat the holiday blues.
“Fitness, nutrition, mind, body and spirit are all connected,” said Hillcrest Employee Wellness Coordinator and RN, Rose Hosler. She suggests five, low- to no-cost ways that improve overall well-being and keep stress levels in check. 1. Take Time to Breathe: Sit quietly for one minute, breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth. You could do this while driving to and from work, before sitting down to eat, or at bedtime. The Benefit: Research shows taking deep breaths four times a day improves cognitive function by 20 percent. “Just step back. When you pause to take a deep breath, it calms your mind and body,” said Hosler. For emotional and physical benefits, she suggests breathing deep four times a day. 2. Use Aromatherapy: …