You’re rushing. Your heart is racing. You’re frustrated at traffic jams. Now we know it’s holiday time!

Time to put natural stress remedies into action even in midst of stress over commitment, money, time and family  pressures. Stop the pounding heart while you cope in a healthier fashion by putting into practice the following five tips for ultimate anxiety relief:

Tip #1  — Simple Deep Breathing Technique

Right now, try this simple deep breathing technique that will serve as an anti-anxiety natural remedy. Take a deep breath in through your nose. Hold for a few seconds, then breathe out slowly through your mouth. Repeat a few more times. If you breate deeply a few times each day, this small act can actually bring down blood pressure and calm anxious feelings.

Tip # 2 — Time Management Technique

Another good stress management (and time management)  exercise is to get hold of your day – become more organized. Make a list the night before of all the things you need to do the next day. Decide when you can do those chores and mark them in your calendar. Don’t drive from one end of the city to the other the same afternoon or evening. Try to schedule stops around the same areas if possible.

Tip #3 — Slow Down

Are you hurried, always rushing? Walk slower, even if you’re in a rush. When you hurry, there’s more chances of slips, falls, accidents – which will really put a dent into your holiday fun. Make a decision that you will not act frazzled, look frazzled or talk in a frazzled manner.

Tip #4 —  Eat Well

Healthy food tips can be applied even when holiday shopping. Bring a water bottle with you to keep hydrated. Keep healthy snacks in  your bag, in your car – almonds and an apple, cashews and some dried cranberries, a healthful power bar. Don’t skip meals or overindulge in junk  food.

Tip #5 —  Stress-free Shopping

Don’t overdress in shopping malls; getting overheated will make you feel exhausted. Make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes or boots. Aching feet are counter-productive to body- mind healing and will only add to stress levels. Try not to do all your shopping in one evening –  spread out shopping over a few visits.

Best wishes for all your holiday celebrations! Build relationships by spending time with those whom you love and make you feel  happy.

Rosalie Moscoe is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist who formerly taught stress management at CentennialCollege, Toronto. A popular international motivational speaker promoting stress relief and boosted nutrition for optimum well-being, Rosalie has been featured in publications including the National Post for her work on the frazzled lifestyle. She is the author of Frazzled Hurried Woman! Your Stress Relief Guide to Thriving…Not Merely Surviving. Learn more at www.healthinharmony.com.