6 Easy ways to curb stress—fast!

The holiday season is one of my favorite times of year, what with the cocktail parties, fantastic sales, and excuse to eat more than my fair share of chocolate. But what I don’t enjoy so much is the mounting stress to get everything done by a rapidly approaching deadline. That’s why I was thrilled when I came across these six easy ways to ease stress—fast. The best part: They won’t siphon off your gift-buying budget.

1. Tea Off

In a study at University College in London, 75 volunteers drank the equivalent of a cup of black tea before completing two stressful tasks. Afterward, their cortisol levels dropped an average of 47 percent, compared with 27 percent for the people who didn’t imbibe.

Try these stress-busting tea options.

2. Just Say “%&*# It!”

Swearing reduces stress, according to research published in the Leadership & Organization Development Journal. I don’t suggest dropping an F-bomb in the middle of an intimate dinner party, but a strategically placed expletive in the privacy of your car, kitchen, or bedroom can help you blow off steam.

Mad as hell? Make anger work for you.

3. Press the Issue

Acupressure is a quick and effective tension releaser—it can reduce stress by up to 39 percent, according to researchers at Hong Kong Polytechnic University. For fast relief, massage the fleshy area between your thumb and index finger for 20 to 30 seconds.

8 more easy ways to de-stress daily.

4. Treat Yourself

Flavonoids in cocoa relax your body’s blood vessels so that arteries can dilate, reducing blood pressure, finds a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Look for dark chocolate or cocoa powder (they have more of the stress-busting compound than milk chocolate) and keep it to one serving.

4 healthy excuses to indulge in dark chocolate.

5. Take a YouTube Time-out

Just the anticipation of laughing significantly decreases levels of the stress hormones dopac, cortisol, and epinephrine, according to researchers at Loma Linda University in California.

Discover how a little laughter can be good for your health.

6. Chew the Fat

According to a study from the University of Pittsburgh, people with the highest blood levels of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids are happier, less impulsive, and generally more agreeable. Boost your mood by adding foods rich in omega-3s—salmon, herring, and sardines top the list—to your holiday feasts. Or try a daily supplement that contains 400 milligrams each of EPA and DHA fish oils.

Not consuming products from creatures? Here are five nonfishy ways to get your mighty omegas.

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