Despite being on a break from the usual work and school schedules, we already know how the Christmas season can be stressful with the pressure of throwing the best party, looking your best to see friends and family, or giving the best gift. (We've offered tips to solve it!) But perhaps the best way to celebrate the busy holidays this year is to make time to rest and relax. Instead of filling each spare second with an activity or social event, free some minutes or hours in your day to include the following easy-breezy stress-relieving methods:

Exercise
Maybe you've promised yourself to hit the gym more often as a new year's resolution at the start of the year and yet your gym membership remains unused at the end of 2018... There is no better way to begin than today, and to help lose those nonstop holiday gains, no less! Physical activities reduce the body's stress hormones and stimulates the release of feel-good chemicals, endorphins, which act as natural painkillers.

Read a Book
The most effective tool for stress relief may just be sitting on your shelf for the longest time, waiting to be (re)discovered. Being engrossed in a good story helps clear a reader's mind as well as minimize bodily tension. It not only helps you escape from everyday worries and anxiety even from the comforts of your own home (not necessarily by the beach or atop a mountain), but reading also allows you to use your imagination and creativity.

Sleep
Catch up on your much-needed zzz—we all know your hardworking, possibly sleep-deprived self deserves nothing else! Most people choose to spend their downtime this way and we don't blame them. Not only does the seven hours of sleep at night (or even just taking a simple 15-minute nap) do wonders to one's mood and energy, making one refreshed, it also lowers the risk of serious health problems like cancer, stroke, and heart disease.

Here's to hoping this season will be more meaningful than tiring for everyone!