Three Actionable Tips for Managing Turkey Day Stress

The one thing that accelerates aging and often causes us to put on weight, eat unhealthily, and stop exercising is…STRESS! And what happens during the Holidays? …STRESS! Here are three actionable steps you can take to reduce stress and stay healthy anywhere and anytime. Yoga Breath Not only can the meditative effects of yoga help you manage stress and sleep better, but practicing yoga breath has a slew of other cognitive and social benefits. Cultivating a yoga practice can improve your memory and focus, as well as give you the peace of mind needed to face all the stress of the holidays. The breath is one of the best actionable ways to let go of stress. Letting go requires a connection with the present. Most likely, the stress you are hanging onto happened in the past, and when we are focused on the present moment, the past loses its grip. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, say to yourself, “Let go,” and then count from one to ten as you exhale. The ten count allows the body and the mind to focus on being present and in the moment. I always remind my students that breathing in is cleansing, and exhaling is removing debris. Do this five times. Take a Turkey Trot Walk The turkey trot is a dance, but it is also a brisk walk after your Thanksgiving meal. Not only will you burn calories, but it will also aid your digestion. Walking is easy and stress-free, and anyone can do it. When we walk, we circulate blood and oxygen throughout the body, and that includes the brain. The mind is free from distractions, and we are getting plenty of fresh air and sunshine. Vitamin D, which we get from the sun (which is the best source), is essential for overall health, including brain health. Scientists know that low levels of D affect cognitive functioning. Positive cognitive functioning while taking a turkey trot is a great way to reduce stress and stay healthy. Talk Talk to yourself; ask yourself this: is it worth hanging onto? Most likely, it is not. What might seem insurmountable today might be nothing tomorrow. It’s the things we identify with that create stress. It’s what yoga calls all the “citta” or useless mind stuff that keeps us caught in the illusion of life. Everything is fleeting. Nothing lasts forever. So, to de-stress and bring harmony and happiness to your world, change the way you look at things, and the way you look at things will change. Just let go and let be. END: We put so much pressure on ourselves to be happy and to fit in, especially during the holidays. Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for all the good things in your life. You don’t need a family gathering, a turkey, or a party to practice gratitude. What you do need is the ability to take a breather, move your body, and let go. Take time to relax and focus on the most essential things in life: your health, body, mind, and soul. If you are healthy enough to celebrate Turkey Day, be grateful for that. Take a brisk turkey trot, and remember, without your health, everything else is meaningless. Happy gratitude-giving! Doctor Lynn FOR CLASSES AND MORE http://www.doctorlynn.com