Five Free Ways to De-Stress This Holiday Season

Martha Worboy

Filed under: Family Finances, Health, Weird & Wonderful, Holidays

It's that time of year again when the focus is on buying gifts, gathering with family and singing happy songs. It all sounds positive, right? But in truth, the holiday season can be a time of great stress for many. Most of us spend more money than we intend, and anticipate the odd run-in with a family member who -- despite our best intentions -- gets under our skin. But there are simple ways to keep the peace within yourself, despite what is going on all around you, and surprisingly they don't cost anything at all. Here are five ways to de-stress during the busiest season of the year.

1. Dance to the music
Hip hop anyone? New research from the University of Oxford indicates that performing or playing music can release endorphins that better a person's mood. Plus, researchers found that people who had recently been playing music had a higher tolerance for pain. Simply listening to music won't work though -- there has to be singing, dancing or playing involved to get that endorphin kick. So belt out those carols like you just don't care.

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2. Breathe deeply
When you're stuck in traffic or sitting at a dinner with people who annoy you, engage in a "mini-relaxation" technique. (Obviously if you're in public, it would be wise to escape to the restroom where you can be alone for a minute). Try these quick relaxation methods from the Harvard Medical School website: Place your hand below your navel so you feel the rise and fall of your breathing. Breathe in slowly, count to three, breathe out slowly, pause and count to three. Continue to breathe deeply for one minute, pausing and counting to three after each inhale/exhale. Or, breathe in deeply while saying "I am", then breathe out deeply while saying "at peace." Repeat two to three times and you're all the more ready to deal with Uncle. Bill's offensive jokes.

3. Go for a walk in the great outdoors
Bundle up and get out of the house. Researchers at the University of Glasgow found that regular exercise in a natural environment halves the risk of experiencing poor mental health.
It was also shown that those who work out at a gym didn't fare as well as the outdoor enthusiasts. Research suggests a walk outside is good for your mood and stress levels. And it doesn't have to be in the middle of a lush forest, it can simply be around your neighbourhood.

4. Practice relaxation rather than buying it
Instead of spending money on a full-body massage or soothing aromatic oils that will sit in your bathroom cabinet, try to focus on unwinding for a short stint every day. Psychologist Daniel Goleman, author of The Meditative Mind, claims that the daily practice of relaxing for 15 minutes can help achieve mental calm and even strengthen the immune system. Some of his suggestions: Try relaxing your muscles by tensing and relaxing your major muscle groups. Or, count down from 12 to one and accompany each count with an action, so it becomes a series of actions. Goleman also suggests deep breathing exercises.

5. Animal therapy
Rover is more beneficial than you think. Studies have shown people can lower their blood pressure simply by petting an animal. It's also been shown people of all ages have decreased stress levels when pets are around in mildly stressful situations. So, if you have a pet, spend some quality time with it this holiday season. Make use of extra time off to take it for more walks or get out to a park for a run. If you don't have a pet and think you'd like to interact with one, offer to walk a dog for neighbours going on vacation or contact your local humane society or Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for volunteer programs.