3 Ways to Reduce Stress in the New Year

Let’s face it -- 2017 just wasn’t the best year.  I mean, where should I even start? Rising tensions with North Korea ignited long-dormant fears of nuclear war. Hurricanes, wildfires, and earthquakes rocked the world on a scale not seen in modern history.  And somehow, despite these unfolding world calamities, a revolving door of scandals from Washington and Hollywood managed to dominate the media and society’s attention.  And of course, many of us endured our own personal tragedies or overcame very difficult obstacles at some point during the year.  I’m pretty sure we’re all hoping for something better in 2018.  Here are a few simple ways to help keep calm and carry on in the days to come.

CHOOSE ONE THING TO BE THANKFUL FOR EACH DAY
Do this when you first wake up in the morning, to start your day off right.  Maybe you’re thankful for your child, or your spouse, or your good friend who’s always there for you. Maybe you’re thankful for an upcoming getaway, a dinner out, or just the sun shining after a few days of rain.  Maybe you're just thankful for the fact that you get to sleep in for a little while.  Hey, it can even be something as simple as the fact that the coffee shop spelled your name right today!  Whatever you're thankful for, you'll find that just thinking about it brings your level of stress down a little bit.  You'll breathe a little easier and, more than likely, you'll start your day with a smile. 

CHOOSE ONE THING YOU WANT TO DO BETTER THIS YEAR
Just one thing.  Mine is to make sure I wash the dishes every night before I go to bed.  Yeah, I’ve already failed a few times, but each day is a new day.  Even if I fail sometimes, I know I’ll still do better than I did last year. See, most people get themselves into trouble trying to take on too much at once. For example, if I decide that my New Year’s resolution is to lose 20 pounds in time for Easter by exercising five times a week and cutting out all sugar and bread from my diet while also working toward a promotion at my job, that’s a nervous breakdown just waiting to happen!  Instead, focus on doing one thing and doing it really well.  You’ll be so happy when you succeed, but not overwhelmed with stress when you don’t.  You can still work on your other goals, too -- just don’t hold yourself to the same level of accountability as with that one special goal. 

CHOOSE ONE WAY TO REWARD OR PAMPER YOURSELF ON A REGULAR BASIS
Even though you might not be able to pamper yourself every day, aim for half an hour once a week, or maybe 1-2 hours once a month.  Just knowing that a set time of relaxation is waiting for you and being able to visualize it will really help when you start to get stressed out.  You could use the time for journaling, planning a trip you want to go on, taking a relaxing bath, or enjoying a glass of wine or some hot tea with a good book.  If you need some inspiration, check out this relaxing spa gift basket, available here on Amazon or directly through Victoria's Lavender.​​  You’ll probably only need an hour or two to enjoy this delightful experience.  The bath salts and lotion are heavenly, and I love the neck wrap, too.  It’s a gift that just keeps giving over and over again.  You can even make a cup of lavender tea to sip on!  And if a longer spa escape is in order, check out this great deal from Spafinder.com! ​

Just remember, there is always, always something to be thankful for.  Even if it's just the beauty of a sunrise, or the laughter of a little child, there is something out there to smile about.  New year, new start!  And goodbye 2017!