12 Expert Tips for a Stress Free Valentine’s Day

Do you get stressed out around Valentines Day?

From quick stress survival strategies to mood-brightening foods. These 12 Valentine stress busting tips will help you in the mood for a loving, happy, healthy, energised, relax and actually enjoyable Valentine’s Day.

1. Take a whiff of citrus: For an all day pick me up, dab a little lemon or orange essential oil on a handkerchief to tuck in your pocket. Researchers studying depression have found citrus fragrance boost your wellbeing and alleviate stress by increasing levels of norepinephrine by 27% – a hormone that affects mood.
2. Savour a spicy meal: Hot food triggers the release of endorphins by 18%, the natural chemicals that trigger feelings of euphoria and wellbeing.
3. Eat breakfast before coffee: Caffeine on an empty stomach can cause blood sugar levels to spike, which can case irritability and cause attention problems.
4. Turn up the tunes: Listen to your favourite music, weather its Jay Z or a love song. Studies have shown that hearing the music you love can relax blood vessels and increase blood flow. That not only is good for your heart but also calms you down too.
5. Fit in exercise: It may be the last thing you feel like doing when you are stressed out, but hitting the gym, going for a walk or run can actually make you feel better. Studies has found workouts can boost your mood for up to 12 hours.
6. Think positive: An optimistic outlook will help you cope with challenges that come your way. Remember, it’s time to love up with the one you love (even if they do stress you out!) Focus on the good.
7. Go tech free: What better time to turn your gadgets off  and embrace a digital detox than during Valentines Day. Constant mobile buzzes, email alerts, Facebooking keeps us in a perpetual fight or flight mode due to a burst of adrenaline, contributing to mounting stress levels. Enjoy spending time connecting with the one you love without the worry.
8. Dip into some honey: Research shows that its antioxidant and antibacterial properties (the darker the honey the more powerful the antioxidant punch) may improve your immunity as well as an instant kick and energy for the long haul.
9. Recipe for relaxation: Sweet craving? Opt for a delicious mango pie, the sweet, tangy scent of mangoes in a research from Japan shows may later your blood chemistry and send waves of calmness over your body.
10. Don’t over schedule: Remember it’s OK to slow down a bit. If you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed, don’t over schedule your time and take more than you can manage.
11. Sleep better with 5-HTP: 5 Hydroxytryptophan or oxitriptan a naturally occurring amino acid and plant extract (recommended dose of 150 milligrams daily available in capsules at most health stores) is thought to increase serotonin, improve sleep and reduce anxiety.
12. Squeezing the hoku: in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the fleshy place between your index finger and thumb is called the hoku spot. So when you start to feel overwhelmed by the holiday chaos, give your hand a squeeze and take a deep breath by applying firm pressure there for 30sec.