Quick Tips For Less Stress This Year

It’s that time of year when all of a sudden you aren’t sleeping in, sipping on pumpkin spice lattes and relaxing by the fireplace. Instead you’re stressing about going back to work, how much money you’ve spent over Christmas and how much weight you’ve put on. And, you’re just praying you don’t get sick because, really, who has time for that?

We’ve all been there. It’s just “No big deal, nothing to see here, I’m just on the verge of losing it” time.

How about starting the New Year with some semblance of calm? I’ve got some tips to help you manage all that stress that’s making you feel exasperated, worn out, and like crawling under the covers just to be left alone.

1. Talk it out!

Tell a friend or your partner if you are going through a hard time and stop pretending that you have it all together. Be honest with those around you that you are feeling overwhelmed and need extra support. Even your coworkers may be amazingly attentive and understanding during difficult times.

2. Take the time to surround yourself with people who lift you up.

There are those wonderful people in your life who are a joy to be around because they are positive, friendly, funny and genuine. These people make great companions during stressful times because they won’t add to your stress. Detox the negative people out of your life. You know the ones that are constantly complaining, gossiping, and pulling you down with them. Make sure that amidst the craziness of the New Year, you get some quality time with the awesome people who you adore!

3. Snuggle, and do lots of it!

I’m convinced that snuggling is the best medicine. Maybe that’s why professional cuddlers are becoming a thing now. Take the time to cuddle with your significant other while watching movies or before you guys fall asleep. And, if you need a cuddle during another time, go for it! I notice that I’m significantly happier after one of these cuddle sessions thanks to the love hormone ‘oxytocin’ that gets released.

4. Don’t dwell on the negative.

Move forward. Let go. And trust life! Many people recount every detail of their problems when going through stressful times. This causes them to dwell on the negative way too long. When you leave work or an otherwise stressful situation, you want to imagine all the stress being shed and released. Don’t carry it with you. Try to envision leaving it behind.

5. Embrace solitude.

If you don’t love spending time alone, make 2015 the year that you embrace it. It’s important to spend time with yourself to reflect, connect, and ground yourself. However extroverted you may think you are, all of us need time alone to calm down and collect our thoughts. This allows us to gauge how we are feeling, how stressed we are, and what our bodies need. Only when we have silence can we really hear ourselves think. Schedule time for a solo walk or curl up with a cup of tea. Get to know yourself!

These tips will help you unwind at the beginning of this New Year. Use this week as a time to reflect upon what really matters instead of making deadlines and stressing about bills to pay. 2015 is the year to serve your highest good! Be kind. Be grateful. It’s the year to be the best version of you!