HuffPost De-Stresses: How We Unwind During The Holidays

'Tis the season to be jolly, enjoy that "sentimental feeling," and sing about those sleigh bells ring-a-lingin', right? In reality, the holidays are a notoriously stressful time for many of us: Last minute gifting, overbearing in-laws and treats that leave us in week-long sugar comas are all triggers that can leave us desperate for a breather.

In an effort grab stress by the horns (or, maybe antlers in this case), we asked HuffPost staffers to share their tricks for de-stressing over the holidays. Some felt they were destined to be stressed ("I'll let you know when I find out," a not-to-be-named HuffPost staffer groaned), but others were more solution-oriented. "I make crafts and cook elaborate meals -- I need projects that keep my hands busy and my mind focused on something creative," said Meredith Melnick, our Nutrition and Fitness editor.

Need a tip or two? Check out the many ways in which HuffPosters unwind in the slideshow below, then share your own holiday de-stressing tips in the comments.

• "Running has always been the perfect "de-stresser" for me! I love to run when I'm not in the mindset of aiming to get a good workout in, but when I really want to just leave the stress and tension behind and clear my head." - Jacqueline Howard, Associate Editor, HuffPost Science

• "Bikram yoga and drinking with friends." -Brooke Stein, Marketing Manager, HuffPost Style

• "Eating leftovers while watching 'Elf.'" -Rebecca Adams, Associate News Editor, HuffPost Style

• "Exercise! Trips to the gym and then utilizing their forever-hot showers and sauna." -Renee Hodges, Overnight Shift Supervisor

• "To de-stress over the holidays, I play the board game 'Aggravation' with my dad! Ironic, I know!" -Elizabeth Kuster, HuffPost OWN

• "I take a long run through Golden Gate Park to the bridge in San Francisco. It's hard to think my problems are large next to all those waves and trees." -Robin Wilkey, Associate Editor, San Francisco

• "I re-watch "Game of Thrones," "The Dark Knight Rises," "Friday Night Lights" or the J.J. Abrams "Star Trek" through a veil of cathartic tears." -Joe Satran, Staff Writer, HuffPost Food

• "Get a massage. Go for a hike in the mountains. Hang out with family and friends." -Patricia Fitzgerald, Wellness Editor

• "I make crafts (jewelry, etc) and cook elaborate meals -- I need projects that keep my hands busy and my mind focused on something creative!" Meredith Melnick, Nutrition and Fitness Editor, Healthy Living

• "I destress over the holidays by giving in to the coziness of it all. I leave my phone in the other room, grab my warmest blanket and some wine, and spend an hour or two watching romantic comedies." -Jessica Leader, Associate Editor, HuffPost Green

• "I hang out with my family. I also make sure to get a nice massage." -Bonnie Kavoussi, Economics Reporter

• "Definitely some Hulu! Comedies only. And some Ben & Jerry's if it's been a particularly rough day/week." -Amanda Chan, Editor, Health News

• "I light a candle in my apartment, put on fleece slippers and wrap up in my cashmere bathrobe (an indulgence that will repay you 100 fold!). There is something about being comfortable in the presence of little flame with a delicious scent that shifts my home into a stress-melting wonderland." -Alana B. Elias Kornfeld, Executive Health Editor

• "I stay in my pajamas -- including my favorite slippers (pictured) --for as long as possible in the mornings." -Sarah Klein, Associate Editor, Healthy Living

• "I bring store-bought cookies to our neighborhood cookie exchange <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/shelley-emling/holiday-cookies-baking-cookie-exchange_b_2311093.html">(I even wrote about it)</a>." -Shelley Emling, Editor, HuffPost 50

• "I watch 'Beverly Hills, 90210' reruns while playing Bejeweled Blitz." -Lily Avnet, Healthy Living Intern

• "I enjoy a cocktail in the kitchen and cook A LOT. Having a project in the kitchen gives me some much needed quiet time and gives me a sense of focus." -Rebecca Orchant, Associate Editor, HuffPost Taste

• "I will be going on a digital diet Saturday through Wednesday." -Lori Leibovich, Executive Lifestyle Editor <em>Read about Lori's first digital diet <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lori-leibovich/moms-electronic-diet_b_2010645.html">here</a>. </em>

• "I spend at least a day doing no work at all, I read books and I go to the movies." -Lori Fradkin, Senior Lifestyle Editor

• "I make sure to spend as much time as possible with Rosie Lou (pictured), who rarely nags." -Kate Bratskeir, Associate Editor, GPS for the Soul

For more on stress, click here.

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Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/22/huffpost-de-stresses_n_2339764.html

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