Holiday Stress: How to make "space" and find moments to slow down.

The Holiday season is upon us and brings joy and fun which includes plenty of social and personal demands.

During this time it is even more important to find "little moments" in our very full days to calm our Parasympathetic Nervous system, the system responsible for helping the body relax and rest.

It takes about 5 minutes here and there to find the rest needed which will make a big difference during the day.

Here are some strategies to calm our nervous system to help us de-stress:

1. 5 MIN BREAK without any input. Take 5 minutes without TV, tablet or phone, book or other distractions to let your brain settle. You can sit down, lay down, just look outside or gaze into a candle and just be. Observe what happens when you give yourself this tiny break.

2. JUST BREATHE: Breathing often underrated but yet the most important function of our bodies, we do hardly pay any attention to. Sit and breathe, exhale slowly - this activates the rest and relax mode of our bodies. Repeat the slow and mindful breathing a couple times.

3. STEP OUTSIDE, into the garden, terrasse or balkonie, breathe in the fresh air and observe what is happening around you. Observe mindfully.

4. GRATITUDE: Give yourself 5 min. to think about the Good around you and the things you are thankful for today. This practise gives perspective on too busy and rushed days.

5. LEARN TO SAY NO: Creating boundaries and limits for yourself is key to keep stress under control. Think before you say "YES", and if this "YES" is a benefit at this moment in time, or if it can wait. Prioritise YOU when you feel overwhelmed and say politely "No".

Remember, not 1 or 2 hours, but tiny breaks and practises make the difference.

Consistency beats intensity every single time.

Try to take consistent tiny breaks.

Happy Holidays,

Maja