It's the holiday season once again. While that can bring a lot of joy, it tends to come along with quite a bit of stress for many of us. Family stress, state of the world stress, juggling responsibilities stress, end of the year (did I accomplish all of my goals) stress, money stress, yada yada.

Let’s face it—stress is that uninvited guest who overstays their welcome. It messes with your head, messes with your body, and refuses to leave no matter how many hints you drop. But do you know what stress is actually doing behind the scenes? It’s like a sneaky saboteur, wreaking havoc on your health and happiness.

The good news? You don’t have to let it win. Let’s dive into what stress does and, more importantly, how to give it the boot—with a smile (and maybe a little sass) on your face.

What Stress Does to Your Body

Think of stress like a drama queen. It loves attention and will create all kinds of chaos to stay in the spotlight. Here’s what it’s doing:

• Cranking up cortisol levels – This can lead to weight gain, especially around the belly. Yep, stress loves to mess with your jeans.
• Giving you headaches and tension – Feeling stiff and achy? Stress probably pulled an all-nighter in your shoulders.
• Wreaking havoc on your immune system – Suddenly sick all the time? Stress has a way of kicking your defenses while they’re down.
• Interrupting your sleep – Tossing and turning? That’s stress, whispering its nonsense into your brain at 2 a.m.
• Putting your heart on overdrive – High blood pressure and a racing heart are stress’s way of saying, “You’re welcome.”

Stress doesn’t just drain your energy; it throws a full-blown tantrum in your body.

How to Tell Stress to Take a Hike

Here’s the good stuff—stress may think it’s the boss, but you’ve got tools to show it who’s really in charge.

Free Ways to De-Stress

Here’s the best part—kicking stress to the curb doesn’t have to cost a dime. Try one of these:

• Take a walk outside and yell at some squirrels (kidding… kind of)
• Watch the sunrise or sunset and remind yourself that life isn’t all chaos
• Blast your favorite song and sing like you’re on stage
• Write down three things you’re grateful for and feel your mood shift
• Stretch out that tension—you’ll thank yourself later
• Declutter one drawer (seriously, it’s oddly satisfying)
• Call a friend and laugh about the good old days
• Watch a hilarious YouTube video

Your Mission: Laugh at Stress and Take Control

This week, I challenge you to pick one stress-busting activity and own it. Dance, breathe, laugh—whatever it takes to show stress who’s boss.

Stress is a part of life, sure, but it doesn’t get to call the shots. When you rediscover your passions, move with purpose, and find joy in the little things, you’ll not only handle stress—you’ll thrive in spite of it.

Let’s kick stress to the curb and find some fun along the way.

You’ve got this!