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Ugh. Not to sound like a total Grinch, but isn’t the holiday season so stressful? I love the holidays as much as any other cheery person, but think about it – thinking of presents to buy and actually coming up with the money to buy those presents can make you so stressed! And if you’re a student, forget about it. December also means mid-terms if you’re in high school and finals if you’re in college. Talk about a headache.
But all that stress isn’t good for you, girl! That’s why you need to find a way to just… relax. I know, it sounds so much more simple than it is. But that’s why I’m here to help you out with a few fun ways to relieve stress. These aren’t your usual tips – I mean, yeah, sleeping, meditating and yoga may relieve stress, but those things are boring. These tips are super fun and you’ll actually love doing them… meaning they’ll make you happy and you’ll be less stressed.
So take a few minutes out of your super busy day to stop studying, stop shopping, stop helping your mom clean, stop worrying about your crush and do at least one of these things. And keep them in mind for the rest of the holidays. No one wants a grumpy grouch around Grinching up their holiday!
Play With Some Puppies
Animals are cute, fun and will definitely put a smile on your face! Listen to this: Dalhousie University in Canada has created a puppy room especially for finals season. Students can take a break from schoolwork to go play with a bunch of puppies. I'm in love with this idea. If you don't have an animal of your own, head over to your local pet shop and just spend an hour cooing over the cute animals. Or head over to a friend's house to use her for her pets. What? It's for your health.
Eat Some Chocolate
Stress is a perfect excuse to indulge in some delicious chocolate. Researchers say that eating chocolate triggers feel-good chemicals in our brains and actually mimics the pleasure effects of marijuana. So scoop up some chocolate ice cream, buy yourself a cupcake or just grab a bar of chocolate and pig out! You'll feel more relaxed in no time.
Get Down and Dirty With Someone
If you have a BF or GF, take full advantage of their love and take a break from what you're doing to have a little hookup sesh. Whether you're just making out or going all the way, you'll feel much better afterwards. Single? A little solo action will have the same effect.
Jam Out To Your Favorite Music
Blast your favorite song, whether it's One Direction, Ke$ha, or Adele. Research says that listening to music releases the feel-good chemical dopamine into our brains and makes us happy. Lock your bedroom door and let loose - dancing, even if you stink at it, is fun, will give you energy and will put a smile on your face.
Hang Out With Your Friends
Your BFF is your BFF for a reason - because she makes you smile, right? Call her up for a hangout sesh to do nothing but gossip, watch TV and joke around. If you can't escape your house, a phone call or Skype session will work, too.
Take A Bubble Bath
Remember when you were a kid and your mom always used to give you a bubble bath? Yeah, they were pretty awesome. Grab some soap and your old rubber duckie and head to the tub. A lot of people say to get a massage or go to a spa if you're stressed, but, um, who has the money to do that? Your bathtub will relax you just as much. To blast even more stress, listen to some soothing music while you're in there. No social media allowed!
Watch Something Funny
Feeling stressed out is the perfect reason to catch up on New Girl, Modern Family, Saturday Night Live, or whatever makes you giggle. According to research, stress hormones decrease while you're laughing.
Go Play Outside!
Whether it's hot or cold where you live, get your butt outside. The fresh air will make you feel so much better, even if you're just taking a five minute break. Play catch with your dog, take a romantic walk, have a snowball fight. It's fun out there, I swear.
Scream Into A Pillow
What, that doesn't sound fun? Trust me, it is. If you feel like you're going to explode from stress or anger or both, grab a pillow and stuff your face into it and let out your loudest scream ever. It might make your throat a little sore, but you'll feel so much better afterwards. And maybe fill your family in so they don't get alarmed if they hear you.
Play A Videogame
Don't have your own video game console? Use your BF's or your brother's or your guy friend's. Dance video games are even better because they'll get you moving around (and exercise always helps stress), and the same goes for Wii games. After a little while, you'll forget about whatever was bothering you.
What’s your favorite way to relieve stress? Which tip here was your favorite? What did I miss? What are you stressing over right now? Tell us in the comments!
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Can You Trust Him?
Great, except for the last one. Use your BF’s or your brother’s or your guy friend’s. Really, why not your GF’s, your sister’s, or your girl friend’s?
I agree! In thought that was super-sexist to assume only guys have gaming consoles. WTH. :/
Our school needs a puppy room! WE LOVE PUPPIES! XD <3
Great ideas!