Who said the holidays have to be stressful?

Ronit Mor, owner of Natural Trends Yoga Studio & Wellness Center (located at The Shops at Legacy) offers her 10 favorite ways to de-stress.

While the holidays are supposed to be a joyful time, the fact is they are the most stressful time of the year for many people. Stress causes approximately one million employees to be absent on any given workday, and ultimately is responsible for nearly 50 percent of employee burnout and 40 percent of worker turnover. That's the bad news. The good news is, a variety of stress management techniques are available that can be easily incorporated into the busiest daily routine. Ronit Mor, owner and General Manager of Natural Trends Yoga Studio & Wellness Center offers her 10 favorite ways to de-stress during the holiday season:

1. Take a lunch break.
You need some down time during a hectic day -- even if it is only 15 minutes. Treating your mind and body well will build your stamina and ensure that you achieve more in the long run.

2. Learn to say, "No."
Reserve your energy for the most important things in your day. Don’t be tempted to take on everyone else’s projects in an attempt to be popular.

3. Take a meditation walk.
A little fresh air and time to think will provide a boost to your body’s systems and renew your energy. The purpose of a meditation walk is to connect to nature, inhale through your senses, and enjoy all that is around you. It can be done in five or 10 minutes, around the block, down the street, over to a friend's office or home.

4. Laugh.
Make time to see the funny side of situations. Try to regularly inject some fun into your day. Laughing boosts your blood circulation and  hormone levels, increases oxygen to your body’s vital systems, and is one of the best ways to relieve tension.

5. Start yoga.
Hatha yoga is an accessible, non-competitive way to incorporate de-stressing techniques into your life. Learn quick and easy breathing techniques, meditation and stretching methods that you can use anywhere.

6. Treat yourself to a massage.
Massage is one of the most natural ways to de-stress the human body. It provides deep systematic stimulation or sedation using gentle, direct hand pressure. Massage induces relaxation, increases energy, reduces the effects of stress, and restores the lost balance of mind, body and soul.

7.  Sooth your senses with aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy is considered by many to be the oldest existing medical practice in the world. From as long ago as ancient Egypt, it was believed that essential oils could heal the body, alter moods, and generally improve the quality of life.

8. Try reflexology.
Reflexology can be relaxing, de-stressing and point to potential health trouble spots for you to look out for. Using reflexes on both feet that mirror areas of the body, it’s a fantastic way to tune into your body’s needs.

9. Breath "seven."
Did you know most people use only the top 1/3 of their lungs to breathe? This is a major factor in stress and related illnesses such as insomnia and anxiety. Try this ancient yoga breathing technique. But please, move away from your desk and sit somewhere where you can relax your body. Ready? Inhale slowly to the count of seven, hold your breath to the count of seven, then slowly exhale to the count of seven. Repeat this process until you start to feel the effect.

10.  Indulge yourself.
We all love something to look forward to. Regularly treating yourself reminds you of who you are - aside from other roles you have in life. It leads to a boost in self esteem, confidence and positivity.

Natural Trends Yoga Studio and Wellness Center is located at The Shops at Legacy on 7202 Bishop Rd., Suite #D4. You may contact the center at 972-546-3600 or visit the web site at www.naturaltrends.biz.