We’re all in that last stretch of the year when everyone is rushed and wound up to get things done. For many of us, the last quarter of the year can be more stressful than all the other months combined. We are racing to complete our annual goals, finish our budgets, and make plans for the coming year at work. At home, summer marks the final school exams, followed by the long December holiday, and we have to figure out how to keep the kids busy during this time.

Along with it being year-end, we’re also celebrating Stress Awareness Day on 3 November. On this day, people are encouraged to take time out of their busy lives and focus on the importance of mental health. Stress can cause depression, anxiety, unhappiness or even unhealthy behaviours like overeating or drinking alcohol excessively.

There are ways to reduce some of that stress or make it a little more manageable. Sandton Central has loads of options to get through the last quarter of 2021 smoothly.

10 Things you can do to relieve year-end stress

Let’s dive into some stress-relieving activities to help you make the last quarter of 2021 more bearable.

1. Go for walks – With the warmer weather, it’s the perfect stress-reducing activity, and you’re burning some calories while spending time in nature. Research has shown that walking promotes the release of endorphins that stimulate relaxation and improve our mood. We can recommend four parks to get those steps in. They are George Lee Park, Innesfree Park, Mushroom Park, and Sandton Central Park.
2. Eat out or get take out – We know that year-end is known for long hours and less time to cook. Choose from a list of restaurants and enjoy a delicious meal that you do not have to make yourself. Or order your favourite meal from the restaurants found in Sandton Central and either picks them up or have them delivered. One less thing to stress about!
3. Get enough sleep – Sleep helps your mind and body relax and recover from your day. When you are deprived of sleep, your body releases stress hormones. It is recommended to get a sound 7 or more hours of sleep a night. Make sure your digital devices are switched off an hour before bedtime, and why not treat yourself to some new summer bedding? Benmore’s Continental Linen can help you, and don’t forget about @home and Mr Price Home in Sandton City.
4. Exercise – Exercise increases your overall health and your sense of well-being. Exercise also has some direct stress-busting benefits like pumping up your endorphins, reducing stress’s negative effects, and improving your mood. Sandton Central has a great line-up of gyms, health clubs, fitness facilities and studios to help you get rid of that stress and get you in a better mood. Click here to find the perfect workout spot that fits you.
5. Spa day – There is no better stress release than a good spa day, and luckily Sandton Central has a wonderful variety of spas and salons to get that needed massage or treatment. We can point out Lavana Beauty Spa at Benmore Centre; you will also find a Sorbet at Nelson Mandela Square and Benmore, and don’t forget about Sandton City’s and Benmore’s Sorbet Man.
6. Retail therapy – It’s this simple anticipation of the eventual possibility of a reward or treats that releases dopamine — the hormone neurotransmitter in your brain that makes you feel good. Retail therapy works wonders after a stressful day or helps you forget about the stressors in your life, if only for a while. You have a wonderful variety of malls to visit at Sandton Central: Benmore Centre, Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton City, and The Marc.
7. Have a cocktail while watching the sunset – Relaxing on the SAN Deck at Sandton Sun is a unique experience. While drinking cocktails, the stress of the day will fade with the descending sun.
8. Read a book – We know you might not have time for reading this time of the year, but in a study conducted by the University of Sussex, individuals who had read for merely six minutes exhibited slower heart rates, less muscle tension, and reduced stress levels. Get yourself a book from Exclusive Books to read just before bed each night to help you forget about the day.
9. Sleepover – Take one night out on the town to forget about your troubles and worries. Stay over after having a great meal and a few drinks. The change of scenery might just do wonders! Here is a list of hotels to stay at Sandton Central Hotels
10. Watch a movie – When last have you gone to the movies? Some brilliant block busters have to be seen on the big screen. Book beforehand at Sterkinekor to avoid disappointment. You can look forward to movies like “NoTime to Die”, “Free Guy”, “Paw Patrol: The Movie”, and “Dune”.

As the year comes to a close, we all feel pressure and stress trying to finish our last work tasks. We hope these tips will help you deal with end-of-the-year anxiety and keep it from getting out of hand. Also, remember to boost yourself with some vitamins and healthy eating throughout the week to give you the extra strength you need to get through this last stretch.