TO YOUR HEALTH

When the busy season picks up, use these simple techniques to relax and rejuvenate.

Practice gratitude. If life feels hectic and out of control, set aside a moment each day to remind yourself of things you’re thankful for. It could be something as simple as having your favorite lunch or receiving a kind email, but it can instantly make you feel happier, relaxed and resilient. Laugh. When you can’t seem to calm your mind down, take a YouTube break and watch your favorite comedian. In the short term, it will increase feel-good endorphins and relieve your stress response while soothing tension. Long term, it will boost your immune system, relieve pain and improve your general mood. As fall shifts gears into winter, in comes the business and bustle of the holiday season. There are gifts to purchase, parties to plan and family gatherings to coordinate.

For some, the pick-up in pace can mean one thing: more stress.

That makes the later months the perfect time to focus on maintaining good mental health that will get you through the short winter days and cold Pittsburgh weather. Take a moment to focus on the connection between mind, body and spirit and

READY, SET,relax

follow these tips for a happy, healthy season. Go outside.

The benefits of fresh air and a little vitamin D are no joke. Research shows it boosts immunity, increases happiness and provides bursts of energy. Even if you don’t have time to take your full lunch break, going outside for a quick walk around the block can reinvigorate your mood.

Move.

You’ve likely heard before that exercise is one of the most effective stress relief methods. But getting in extra movement holds true as a de-stressor even outside of the gym. Set an alarm every hour or so to walk a lap around the office, or take time twice a day to stretch at your desk. Disconnect.

If your mind is still spinning at the end of the day, taking a small break from technology could provide big benefits. Smartphones have been scientifically linked to increased stress, so by turning off your phone after a certain time, you could feel relieved of the pressure to constantly be available and responsive.

Regroup. Combat holiday stressors with a host of amenities at the Duquesne Club’s own Health & Fitness. Focus on deep breathing with yoga or Pilates sessions, or work out your stress through any of our fitness classes, like indoor cycling, boot camp, power ropes, TRX and functional fitness training. The Club also offers various wellness programs tailored to meet each member’s individual needs.

See page 38 to learn more about Health & Fitness.