As Andy Williams would say it, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” Well, yes, we can all agree that Christmas, Hannukah and the New Year are some of the best, most joyous, memorable, and family bonding times of the year. Between gift giving, financial issues, preparing fancy foods and eating and drinking too much, we tend to forget this is creating stress amongst ourselves and our bodies. Feeling irritable, tired, fatigued, lonely or overwhelmed? Apply these basic yet effective techniques for stress reduction and enjoy a more relaxing holiday.

Stress Reduction Strategies

When it comes to reducing your daily hassles, most guys take the improper approach towards managing their stress. They may binge on harmful junk foods to satisfy their cravings. Performing yoga, exercising, working out, walking, can all help reduce the daily stressors you might face. However, let’s not forget, stretching and foam rolling are all proven to help eradicate tension buildup in your muscles. As you’ve probably wondered, an accumulation of stress overtime can potentially have negative effects on the body. For example, increased body fat in the abdominal region, emotional problems,  headaches, low mood,  lack of sleep, lethargy, and not being able to recover from workouts. Identify what triggers your stress and when you do, apply these strategies.

Perform Yoga

Wrapped too many presents? Spent too much money? If you’re looking to calm your mind, relax your entire body, and have a clear flow of thoughts, perform yoga. Yoga has been proven to relax the body and mind, relieve tension built up in muscles, improve depression and aid with chronic back pain. The deep breathing, stretching, and focused attention in yoga have a soothing effect. Exercises performed throughout yoga increase your balance, strength, flexibility, control and also offer psychological advantages.

Go Exercise

Exercising such as working out, running, and walking can all help mitigate stress. Although almost any form of exercise will be offer amazing benefits, aerobic exercise in particular can help reduce symptoms of stress. During aerobic exercise, oxygen is circulated throughout your body and brain. This increase in oxygen helps you to relax and relieve tension without causing a ton of muscle damage. One other crucial aspect of exercising is the endorphin release your body creates. Endorphins are natural pain killers and stress fighters in your body. These feel-good chemicals are often referred to as the “happiness drug” and are responsible for the “runner’s high” individuals experience after a tough workout. Exercising on a daily basis or even three times a week can help squash a bad mood and lift your spirits up. The benefits received from exercise are exponential and play an important role in your day to day life.

Head Out for a Brisk Walk

As you shop your local mall for last minute presents or for that classy shirt and tie to ring in the New Year, walk from store to store. Walking may not only get rid of excess calories, but it will also get rid of your stress. Go for a 20-30 minute brisk walk around your neighborhood, local track or even in the mall. When you walk you are giving yourself peace of mind, easing tension throughout your body, and giving your mind a break from daily hassles and concerns. Walking also produces endorphins. It helps relieve stress and tension and can help drastically bring up your mood. As you walk, breathe in and out slowly and deeply, clear your mind and pace yourself.

Stretch

Does your hamstring feel a bit tight? Feeling stiffness in your neck? How about a tight shoulder? You may be overdue for a long stretch or massage. To relieve that tension and to promote relaxation you should incorporate stretching and foam rolling into your workout routine but also at the beginning and end of each day. Simple techniques like neck rolls, arm circles, toe touches, and shoulder shrugs can all help rid off ailments involving muscle tightness. To help minimize stress, try combining your stretches and foam rolling with deep breathing. Practice 2-5 minutes of deep breathing each day to clear your mind. Massaging areas of your body that ache with a foam roller can also help rid them of tension. Foam rollers provide a massage for your muscles where there is buildup of tension and tightness on the particular muscle group. Before a workout is important because it loosens the muscle, increases blood flow, and prepares the muscle for your workout. After your workout is crucial, to release the stress from the tender areas you damaged while working out.

The holidays during the winter don’t have to be stressful. With these useful stress busting strategies, you can reduce your stress levels and enjoy more time with your family and friends. Understand and manage your stress the correct way when you are feeling overwhelmed and anxious about the holiday season.

This was a guest post from Ryan Donovan. Follow him on Twitter for more helpful fitness tips @RyDunny924. If you are looking to contribute to ConFITdent, please check here.