The Holiday Stress-Buster You Never Knew You Needed

I love that Christmas promotes Peace on Earth.

Goodness knows we all need more of that.

But it’s hard to promote peace in your family, community, and beyond if you’re letting holiday STRESS get the better of you.

It’s easy to get caught up in the hectic buzz of decorating, shopping, parties, and more this time of year.

Today, I want to share with you my own personal anti-stress technique that helps promote inner peace this holiday season.

Everyone responds to stress differently.

Some folks seem energized by it, while others can feel paralyzed.

Research shows that people respond to stress in one of two ways:

1. A challenge response causes your heart to pump more blood, boosting your neurological response.
2. A threat response causes your heart to pump less blood, constricting blood vessel, and reducing blood flow… which decreases performance.

However, one simple act can improve your stress response.

Practicing gratitude.

One study showed that when people expressed gratitude to one another before a stressful task, their threat response was essentially eliminated.

In other words, they had a better heart-related stress response.

I’ve also found this to be true, which is why I keep a gratitude journal.

Practicing gratitude has gotten me through some of the most challenging times in my life.

There are many ways to do it.

You can journal, like I do. It can be as simple as jotting down a list on a napkin, writing down a favorite part of your day, or describing someone who is important to you in a diary.

You could keep a gratitude jar. When something good happens, or you’re thankful for something, jot it down and drop it in the jar. In no time at all, you’ll see your blessings adding up.

Some people enjoy practicing meditation, while others might pray.

Whatever it looks like for you, the point is to intentionally focus on the good things in your life.

And the holiday season is the perfect time to consider all there is to be thankful for.

P.S. If you’re a subscriber to my Natural Health Response newsletter, you’ll discover more about the health benefits of gratitude HERE. Not already a subscriber? No problem… CLICK HERE to learn how to become one.

View Sources

Gu Y, Ocampo JM, Algoe SB, Oveis C. Gratitude expressions improve teammates’ cardiovascular stress responses. J Exp Psychol Gen. 22 Dec;151(12):3281-3291. doi: 10.1037/xge0001238. Epub 2022 Jun 16. PMID: 35708951.