This holiday season, give yourself and loved ones a gift that helps counter the negative effects of stress.

Life is full of stressful situations, from minor annoyances like a broken appliance to more serious problems like experiencing a natural disaster. And for almost two years now, the relentless anxiety over the COVID-19 pandemic has put everyone on edge. More than ever, we all need to include anti-stress strategies in our daily routines.

For those at risk for cardiovascular disease, relaxation rituals are especially important. Chronic stress triggers a cascade of physical changes that raise blood pressure, elevate levels of unhealthy fats in the bloodstream, and increase the risk of blood clots forming. But you can help counter the negative consequences of the stress response by evoking the opposite reaction, the relaxation response.