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YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

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Woolworths reveals last-minute Christmas range with 16 new products

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  1. Home
  2. Health

How to reduce stress and improve energy levels this Christmas.

Better moods in 3 simple steps. - by Laura Barry
  • 05 Nov 2018
How to reduce stress and improve energy levels this Christmas.

According to recent survey data collected by Relationships Australia, Christmas time is the most likely time of the year for people to experience anxiety and depression. This particularly affects people who are divorced, have experienced a death in the family or are socially isolated, and compounded by the financial stress and time pressures at work and home. Relationships Australia also reports that there can be added strain from spending time with family members, and that Christmas is a time when some people negatively reflect on another lost year. With that in mind, BHG spoke to Monika Radulovic, a psychology graduate, Australian model, ex-Survivor contestant and HIVITA Health and Beauty global ambassador about how she copes with Christmas stress and waning energy levels.

Focus on what’s important

“When I find myself getting stressed at Christmas I remind myself of what Christmas is actually about and what’s important: celebrating and spending time with loved ones. When you’re feeling grateful about the people you have in your life, everything is put back into perspective.”

Monika Radulovic

Monika Radulovic

Supplied

Shop online

“There’s nothing worse for me than frantically running to the shopping centre a few days before Christmas, then driving around for half an hour looking for parking, and being among thousands of other stressed shoppers running around,” says Monika. “Shopping online solves all these problems. You can select and purchase presents in the comfort of your own home, and I find that there are better sales online as well.”

woman shopping online

Avoid the crowds and shop online.

Getty

Reduce your stress

Monika has three go-to stress relieving techniques that help her through trying times.

“Taking a few deep breaths is one of the best ways to lower stress in the body because it sends a message to your brain to calm down and relax. Breathe in through your nose, letting air fill your belly, and slowly breathe out through your nose. Repeat this 5-10 times whenever you feel yourself getting stressed.”

“Avoid sugar! When we’re stressed we tend to crave sugar due to the quick release of serotonin, the ‘good mood’ brain chemical, that sugar elicits. However, the problem is that the body releases more cortisol when you’re stressed, and eating sugary foods causes the body to release even more cortisol to balance your blood sugar levels. This elevated cortisol coupled with fluctuating blood sugar levels can really exacerbate feelings of stress.”

“[Vitamin] Supplementation is so important to help reduce your stress, fatigue and elevate your mood.”

woman with eyes closed

Take a moment to yourself and breathe deeply.

Getty

Improve your energy

“One of the most effective things to improve energy levels is to get moving. Physical activity gives your cells more energy to burn and circulates oxygen around the body. Exercise also releases endorphins which really boosts your mood and energy levels. A brisk walk is a great start and will have you feeling energised and ready to take on the day.”

“I’m a true believer in taking supplements for optimum health and vitality. For boosting energy, I highly recommend a Vitamin B complex. I’ve found it to be really powerful in helping maintain my energy and stamina throughout the day, and taking it daily- especially when energy levels take a little slump- has been a game changer for me.”

“Try cryotherapy. If you want a short-cut to boosting your energy levels, then three minutes in a cryotherapy chamber (where the temperature gets to -120 degrees!) is the way to go. I visit Koa Recovery in Sydney at least once a week for a cryotherapy session and I leave feeling super energised, among other great benefits like boosted metabolism and circulation, sharpened focus, as well as improved mood and sleep.”

woman going for a walk
Getty

You might also like:

How to reduce stress levels this Christmas

People who put Christmas decorations up earlier are happier

5 tips for making Christmas lunch stress free

  • Health
  • Better Life
  • Christmas Decorating, Tips & Traditions
Laura Barry
Laura Barry
Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.

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YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

Woolworths reveals last-minute Christmas range with 16 new products

Woolworths reveals last-minute Christmas range with 16 new products

When should you take down your Christmas tree?

When should you take down your Christmas tree?

The best way to store Christmas decorations

The best way to store Christmas decorations

Tara's handmade Christmas decorations and gifts

Tara's handmade Christmas decorations and gifts

{headline}

{headline}

How to wrap a gift when the paper is too short

How to wrap a gift when the paper is too short

What is a Christmas Eve box?

What is a Christmas Eve box?

16 easy Christmas recipes

16 easy Christmas recipes

{headline}

{headline}

 When is the ‘correct’ time to open Christmas presents?

When is the ‘correct’ time to open Christmas presents?

14 gorgeous gift ideas from small Aussie businesses

14 gorgeous gift ideas from small Aussie businesses

Tara Dennis’ guide to DIY Christmas table decorations

Tara Dennis’ guide to DIY Christmas table decorations

How to make a mini succulent Christmas tree

How to make a mini succulent Christmas tree

Are Christmas trees poisonous to cats?

Are Christmas trees poisonous to cats?

Before and after: A village hall transformed

Before and after: A village hall transformed

This mum’s Christmas Kmart hack is next level

This mum’s Christmas Kmart hack is next level

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