Years ago, as I raced to prepare for my first big-girl-in-the-city holiday party, the Christmas tree fell over, shattering ornaments as it landed with a thud. Its resting place? The coffee table, carefully arranged with the festive holiday appetizers and drinks I spent weeks planning, shopping, cooking and fussing over to make my party pre-Instagram picture-perfect. So I did what any reasonable person would do. I burst into tears as the first guests arrived. Ho. Ho. Ho.
At mutterhood, we know the holidays can be stressful. But here’s a few ways to help you de-stress:
There’s an app for that. Calm features “100+ guided meditations covering sleep, anxiety, focus, stress, gratitude and much more.” (Apple app store and Google Play) Or, when your Apple watch tells you to “breathe” take a moment and do it.
Read a book. Studies show that reading can reduce stress by up to 68%. You already know that mutterhood loves a library, so take a stroll through your local branch and find something new.
Smell an orange. According to Health Magazine, researchers have found that citrus fragrances “boost feelings of well-being and alleviate stress by upping levels of norepinephrine, a hormone that affects mood.”
Throw an axe. (See mutterhood’s Let the Games Begin)
Have a Christmas cookie. Or ten. Seriously, they aren’t going to eat themselves.
And to my twenty-something self: don’t stress. A downed Christmas tree makes for a memorable party.