5 Ways to Reduce Stress This Holiday Season

 Disclaimer: This post and giveaway is sponsored by Designer Protein thanks to my ambassadorship with Fit Approach and Sweat Pink. 

I can see it already.  The excitement of the holidays starts to ramp up the Monday before Thanksgiving.  A two day school week, 5 days off full of eating and shopping.  Back to school for 3.5 weeks then Christmas Break! (well, winter break)   It's exciting but it's incredibly stressful.   

I know.  I can already feel the stress building up.  But it's that time of year when I need to focus on the positives in my life.  (well, that should really be all year!)  Hopefully you find some of my little hints helpful.  

1.  TIME

Take time for yourself.  Period.  It's hard.  Go here. Go there.  This party.  That party.  Holiday concerts.  Tree lightings. Shopping.  If you don't take some time for yourself, you can seriously lose it.  For me, my time to myself is running.  Even if it's 30 minutes.  It's a glorious 30 minutes.  

You thing doesn't have to be running.  It could be a pedicure.  A massage.  That 10 minutes with a cup of coffee in the morning before the craziness of the day kicks off.  It doesn't matter.  Find your thing.  And do it!  And do it often.  You deserve it.  

2.  LAUGH

A lot.  And smile and hug.  It's seriously contagious.  There are somedays my shoulders are so tense I can almost feel my shoulders up by ears.  I take a few deep breaths to relax them, the find something to smile about.  Then I focus on lightening the mood.  The best laughs are usually with my family.  My family is the best.  It doesn't matter what we do....

but if we're together and laughing and smiling, I know it's going to be a great time.  

3.  EAT

If you avoid all delicious treats.  I can almost guarantee you'll go crazy.  Or you'll break down and just go to town on that PB pie!   Enjoy a treat here and there.  But keep it in check.  

I enjoy my morning Designer Protein shake with pumpkin, pumpkin spice, and cold brew.  Some people think pumpkin season is over, but I think it lasts until January 1st for sure!  It's a delicious way to start the day and it doesn't lead me searching the school for some chocolate treats.  

4.  EXERCISE

I'm not repeating myself.  I promise.  My me time is running.  But exercise in general is great for you!  On those days I can feel the stress levels building up and up and up, I know if I can just get in a run or yoga or a bike ride, my day will be so much better afterward.  Busy?  Make time.  You won't regret it!  

5.  REST 

Put those legs up and relax.  Read a book.  Watch a movie.  Take a nap.  I don't care.  Rest is important to recovery and your ability to function in general! 

I need to take my tips from these two.  They rock at rest.  Look!  They are pro's!  Do you actually take time to rest?  Try it!  I bet you'll like it!  

Check out my instagram page today only 12/2/16 for a FLASH giveaway for Designer Protein. Look for this picture and comment on your tips to a stress free holiday.  The giveaway will only be on instagram.