A-Z of festive CALM

A is for angels. Think you’re too old to make snow angels? Think again! Playing in the snow is great for burning calories, getting your heart pumping and those stress-zapping endorphins flowing.

B is for baking. One in three Brits finds that baking helps to relieve stress. Best get those mince pies loaded in the oven!

C is for Christmas crackers. Whether you like amusing jokes or silly hats, use your Christmas cracker to enjoy a chuckle. Laughter releases endorphins which decrease blood pressure and boost our immune system.

D is for dancing. Forget presents! Instead, get rockin’ around the Christmas tree! Studies show that dancing reduces stress levels, increases energy and can even aid cognitive abilities.

E is for eggnog. Eggs contain tryptophan, an amino acid, which increases serotonin and has a calming effect. The perfect excuse for an eggnog or two!

F is for frankincense. Want a quick way to unwind? Add some frankincense essential oil to a diffuser. Its sweet, woody aroma is thought to ease stress and promote serenity.

G is for games. Sales of board games have soared this year, and for a very good reason. Games provide the perfect distraction, allowing us to unwind. Studies have suggested that playing video games can particularly help.

H is for hugs. Feeling wrung out? Make time for a hug. Hugging, even hugging yourself, releases oxytocin, lowering our levels of the stress hormone, cortisol.

I is for ivy. Deck the halls with holly and ivy this year. Studies suggest having lots of green in our environment has a relaxing and calming effect.

J is for Jingle bells. Try belting out your favourite Christmas song. Singing releases endorphins and reduces cortisol, helping us relax and feel more zen.

K is for kindness. Thinking about donating to a food bank? Consistently kind people have 23 per cent less cortisol, lower blood pressure and age slower than the average population.

L is for list. Add calming activities to your Christmas to-do list. Research shows we’re more likely to relax if we allocate time to do so in advance.

M is for mistletoe. Pucker up! Kissing releases oxytocin, encouraging feelings of relaxation.

N is for nutmeg. Add some grated nutmeg to your mulled wine to help lift your mood and lower your blood pressure.

O is for orange. Want a serene stocking-filler? Try an orange. Studies show the scent of a peeled orange can reduce stress levels and improve mood swings.

P is for present. This year, focus on being present, not buying presents. Studies show we’re happiest and calmest when living in the moment.

Q is for quiet. Feeling overwhelmed? Find a quiet corner. Research shows that silence reduces tension in our body and brain, helping us to relax.

R is for roaring fire. According to studies, watching an open fire can reduce our blood pressure and help us relax.

S is for sprouts. Thinking about giving your annual sprouts a swerve? Think again! Sprouts have been shown to aid digestion, improve your immune system and can even help you sleep better.

T is for traditions. Enjoy a Christmas day family walk. Research suggests that having family rituals prompts a sense of nostalgia making us feel more calm and secure.

U is for unity. Get on Zoom for instant zen! Research shows people who spend time talking to family tend to find healthier ways to cope with stress.

V is for volunteering. Help local charities virtually. Volunteering boosts feelings of calm, and studies show that for those aged 55 and older, it offers health benefits nearly as beneficial as quitting smoking!

W _is for walnuts._Get your nutcrackers ready! Researchers say a walnut-rich diet may lower blood pressure and reduce stress.

X is for Xmas pud. Calling Xmas pudding fans! Raisins help lower blood pressure — so feel free to enjoy this festive fave!

Y is for you-time. You don’t have to spend the whole day with others. Research shows having some you-time can help you de-stress, re-energise and feel more productive.

Z is for zone out. Researchers have found that watching Christmas films can release dopamine, our ‘feel-good’, hormone, helping us unwind. So sit down, put your festive fave on and relax…

Edited by Stephanie May