Christmas is a time for joy and celebration, but it can also bring its share of stress. From gift-giving to preparing festive meals, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, stress doesn’t have to ruin the holiday season, and one effective way to reduce stress and improve your mental health is through some great workouts.

Workouts Can Improve Calmness

Physical activity can help to decrease the release of the stress hormone cortisol and increase the production of endorphins, which can improve mood and promote feelings of happiness. So, what are the best exercises for combating stress?

Swimming

This low-impact exercise is suitable for people of all ages and physical abilities. The buoyancy of water reduces the impact on the body, allowing for relaxation and workouts without feeling overexerted. Water has a calming effect, and the color blue is known to promote relaxation, making swimming a great stress reliever. Hydro pools, in particular, can aid in recovery by increasing body temperature and improving blood flow.

Yoga

This calming form of exercise focuses on conscious breathing, also known as pranayama. The breathing techniques used in yoga can help to relieve stress and anxiety by allowing people to focus on their bodies and detach from external stress. Yoga can also help to connect the mind to more positive thoughts.

Squash

This energetic sport requires focus and strategy, making it an excellent outlet for stress. It also promotes physical fitness, improving balance, coordination, speed, and flexibility. Playing squash with a friend or family member can be a fun way to catch up and relieve stress.

Walking

Taking a walk in nature can help to clear the mind and improve mental health. Incorporating mini exercises, such as shoulder rolls, into a walk can also help to alleviate tense muscles and improve posture. Walking is a low-impact form of exercise that is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. It is also a convenient and accessible way to get regular physical activity.

T’ai Chi

This meditative exercise involves gentle, flowing movements and deep breathing. It can improve sleep and stimulate the release of mood-boosting hormones, making it a great stress reliever. In addition to its stress-reducing benefits, t’ai chi has been shown to improve balance, flexibility, and muscle strength.

By incorporating these workouts into a routine, anyone can reduce stress and improve their mental health during the holiday season and beyond. Making time for regular exercise can also help to improve overall health and well-being, contributing to a sense of balance and fulfillment in life.

Many people use gifts as a powerful tool to express their love. A present can be the secret weapon in making and keeping lasting connections with others. The concept was first used in a 1992 book, The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate. Experts continue to believe that love languages are a key to establishing meaningful relationships. And so are gifts!

Love Languages Decoded

Usually, love languages explain the way people express their feelings toward others. According to psychotherapist Kristie Overstreet, knowing your love language is essential to understanding how you build connections not just with your partner but also with other people in general. Relationship expert Dr. Lurve explains that once you learn how to speak your partner’s love language, it’s easier to show them how much you value them.

Experts have established five key forms of love language. Giving gifts is one of them. Others include physical touch, words of affirmation, and quality time spent together. While preferring one of those doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t like the others, it’s believed to be the primary way you express your feelings. And it’s also likely that you want others to show their appreciation for you in the same way.

In case you have no idea which is your favorite love language, you’ll need to figure it out first. Once you’ve done that, it’s time to figure out your partner. If you determine that your (or your partner’s) language includes giving gifts, it’s time to learn all about it!

Signs That Gifts Are Someone’s Love Language

Would you like to know what are the major signs that the person you date loves receiving gifts? One of the easiest ways to determine it is by paying attention to your partner’s reactions. How do they feel when you treat them to a long cuddle after work? How about after giving them a present? If they’re over the moon with joy, then it’s likely that your loved one’s love language is giving and receiving gifts.

You can set a reminder for special events like birthdays, anniversaries, and everything else your partner values. That way, the chances of forgetting to get the ideal present are practically zero. Dr. Lurve says giving gifts should be incorporated into everyday life. You can add presents “just because,” every day, or every week. Now, giving a present doesn’t mean spending all your money on it. It doesn’t need to be too flashy. Just think about what your partner wants and prefers, and your presents will be spot-on each time.