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	Last month, we asked how you chill out during the holiday season. From exercising to listening to music, here are Synergy readers’ best stress-busting tips. The top two ways de-stressing tactics are working out and simply relaxing. “I like to hit the gym and reward myself with a holiday sweet treat afterwards,” a survey participant told us. Another opted for a long walk followed by unwinding with a glass of wine. Many of you jump on the treadmill or go for a run. Yoga was also a popular for stretching muscles while inducing relaxation. Snuggling up with pets, a loved one or simply a good book or movie are top stress-busting strategies. “I spend time cuddling with my pets on the couch, drinking hot chocolate, and watching my favorite holiday movies,” a reader shared. Likewise, this survey participant described a fave way to relax during the holidays: “Curl up in bed under the blankets with hot apple cider and either read a book or watch a movie.” Enjoying the tastes, smells and goodies of the season soothe jangle nerves and help folks relax, too. Cooking with friends and family while listening to holiday music, sipping hot chocolate, eggnog or coffee by the fireplace are simple, stress reducing pleasures for many of our readers. “I put some apple cider in a percolator with some red hot cinnamon candies and percolate for a while. Then I sip on a cup of this hot mixture while reading a good book,” one explained. “We gather the children and have an indoor picnic. Finger foods are the main dish and each child picks a movie for us to watch together,” another survey participant told us. Zeroing in on some personal activities away from the holiday hustle and bustle were helpful ways to relax for several of you, as well – from listening to music with earphones, playing video games or getting a manicure or a massage. “My favorite way to relieve stress is definitely guided meditation. I download apps to my smartphone that walk me through a relaxing and stress-reducing fifteen or thirty minutes,” a Synergy reader shared. “With all the frenetic energy of the holidays it pays to take some time off and really relax your mind and body.” Another listens to Native American flute music, lights a candle and takes a few minutes to be grateful for his life. We picked survey participant Karen J. at random to receive a $50 Visa gift card. “I have a 20 year old daughter in the Persian Gulf on an aircraft carrier, so this is a very stressful time for me. This is the first Christmas to ever be away from her. The first thing I do is remove myself from any stressful situation if at all possible and try to think of other things,” she explained. “I try to exercise, especially walking and playing with my three dogs! I love to ride my bike and spending time with my children and grandchildren are the greatest ways to relieve stress.” Thanks to everyone who participated! Sherry Baker is a writer from Atlanta, Georgia. She last wrote the article on What You Need to Know About Holiday Leftovers for Synergy.