'Tis the holiday season already! Can you believe it?
Who doesn't love this time of year? But there's one thing nobody loves, and that's the stress that comes with preparing for the holiday season. Many think you need a pricey spa to relax and de-stress, but you can stay calm and well-rested with just a few essential tips!
Cultivating wellness within our own lives doesn't require the royal (and expensive) treatment to reap the benefits.
If you missed Part One and Part Two, check 'em out! Now read on to get a few more budget-friendly tips for pampering yourself and fending off stress to enjoy the holiday season and beyond:
Take a bath. Nothing wards off a chill quite like a hot bath. According to scientific research, daily dips in your bathtub every day for eight weeks is better at reducing anxiety than a prescription drug.
Plus, adding oatmeal to your bath can help treat dry skin; essential oils can boost brain function, reduce stress and clear nasal passages; and epsom salt can alleviate sore muscles, treat small wounds and even fight minor illness. What better reason to draw a hot bath tonight?
Start stretching. If yoga is too much of a time or physical commitment, a simple stretching routine can go a long way in reducing stress and chronic pain.
According to the Mayo Clinic, stretching "increases blood flow to the muscle," aids in circulation, and releases tension is areas that tend to become knotted during periods of stress, like the neck and shoulders.
To get started, pick up inexpensive resistance bands from Target or Walmart, and check out this list of stretching essentials to ensure you're getting the most out of your routine.
Ready to de-stress for less? Tell us with a note below!