Five effective stress busters
As the holidays approach, so does major stress. If you feel like you're going to jump out of your skin, take 10 minutes to unwind. We asked Dr. David Posen, Toronto-based author of the new book The Little Book of Stress Relief, to adapt five basic stress reducers for the holidays.
1. Relax
Sit by a crackling fire. Listen to classical holiday music. Breathe deeply or try meditating.
2. Exercise
Do a mini-workout -- jog on the spot, do bicep curls, leg raises -- while the cookies are in the oven.
3. Sleep
Catch a power nap after shopping -- even 10 minutes can recharge your batteries.
4. Take time out
Play your favourite instrument, knit a few rows or do a crossword puzzle. Or try a new diversion, such as sketching a holiday scene. Keep it short, sweet and therapeutic: Christmas is not the time to repaint the living room!
5. Vent
Find someone who is a good listener and let it out. Be brief: they're stressed too! (After the new year, resolve to repay the favour).
