8 Ways to Beat Stress in 2013

As always the New Year brings lots resolutions -- and the stress of keeping them up along with it.  

Dr. Megan Hood, a clinical psychologist with an expertise in stress management at Chicago’s Rush University Medical Center, said trying to attain a more stress-free existence is a pretty popular goal around the holidays and the new year.

But staying away from stress is not as simple as making a New Year’s Eve wish.

“That tends to be a common goal, a nice broad goal,” Hood said. “But it also tends to be challenging.”

Still, Hood has some tips to keep stress at bay.

• Enjoy the moment. Don’t always rush ahead to the next thing, Hood cautions. Take a second to just enjoy the small things in life: a catchy song playing, a nice smell or something positive going on around you.
• Plan ahead—when you can. Having plans and maintaining schedules is a good thing, but make your goals manageable and realistic, and don’t worry about anything out of your control, Hood says.
• Be active. Plan an activity with your family that doesn’t involve vegging out on the couch, Hood advises. Explore the Dunwoody Nature Center, join the YMCA in Dunwoody or perhaps learn to play tennis through USTA Atlanta.
  
• Have healthy snacks available. In accordance with your overall health, be sure to eat foods that are good for you, especially after splurging on holiday food.
• Do something that makes you feel good. The holidays involve giving gifts to others, but don’t forget about yourself when they are over. Hood recommends participating in whatever brings a smile to your face, whatever you enjoy, especially social groups or activities. Perhaps you'd like to sign up for classes at the Spruill Center for the Arts? Keep an eye on the Dunwoody Patch calendar for dance classes and other activities that you enjoy. 
• Volunteer. Helping people helps us feel positive and better about ourselves, Hood says. The Hands on Atlanta website makes it easy to search for volunteer opportunities by geography, type of volunteer group, or the skills that you have to offer.
  
• Take deep, short breaths. Don’t underestimate the power of deep breathing. When you trick your body into relaxing, the mind and the thoughts follow, Hood explains.
• Expect the best. Always be positive, Hood adds. If you intentionally expect good things and good results, you’ll probably get them.

TELL US: How do you de-stress? Are you resolving to stress less in 2013? Share your ideas, tips and comments section below this article.