Wedding Ideas

How to De-Stress This Holiday

Posted on December 19, 2020 by Allison Dupree

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The holiday season is one of the best times of the year, but for some it can bring stress. From the crazy shopping and dealing with your family or your significant others, the season can be less than jolly. With the pressure to meet in-laws, buy the PERFECT gift and bake 300 cookies, Lavinia Errico (founder of Equinox) has some tips to de-stress and enjoy this holiday season! Take a break & change your environment. When we are stressed the best thing to do is to get up and take a swift walk outside. Step away from the situation that is causing you stress and focus on a physical activity as opposed to the emotions you are feeling.

Carla and Jonathan’s Wedding, Capture Your Beauty- Paulette Brockenbrough

Disconnect & reconnect. Slow down! We are always “on,” connected to our devices and going a million miles an hour. “Take a moment to enjoy an activity that encourages you to reconnect with yourself and your loved one. One of my favorite activities right now is Naam Yoga, which is a combination of breath, sound and movement,” explains Errico. If dancing like crazy for five minutes is how you two relax, then do that. Take the chance to just have it be the two of you so you can reconnect during all of the hustle and bustle.

Clap your stress away. “It may sound silly, but clapping for one minute straight brings positive hormones to your brain,”says Errico. “Doing that with your significant other is an added bonus.” Your body automatically associates this movement with happiness and it also increases your blood circulation.

Bride with fur shawl and groom at winter wedding
Michelle and Joseph’s wedding, Anne Molnar Photography

Three-point breath. Everyone should do this before entering their parent-in-laws’ house. “Inhale for five seconds, hold your breath for five seconds and exhale for five seconds. Continue to do this for five minutes,” suggests Errico. Being able to create a pattern for your breathing helps you to relax your mind.

Develop a routine. “The best way to ensure your and your loved one’s stress levels are consistently down is by having a meditation/breathing routine you stick to everyday. Just a few minutes in the morning and again in the evening,” explains Errico.  Research suggests that meditation is able to ease stresses like anxiety, stress and even pain.

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