“8 Simple Tips to Reduce Holiday Stress, from Caroling to Perfect Timing for Christmas Dinner”

IF the festivities have left you frazzled, a rendition of Silent Night could be the perfect antidote.

Attending a carol service can help induce calm, researchers say.

Singing or listening to Christmas carols has been shown to lower heart rate and stress levels – and it can also improve lung functionCredit: Getty

And it’s not the only tradition to offer a wellbeing boost.

From fairy lights to festive telly, here we round up the seasonal events which could also deliver a ho ho host of wins.

SINGING CAROLS: Studies show that whether you join in with Hark! The Herald Angels Sing or simply listen to the choir, a is proven to lower your heart rate and bring calm.

Belting out songs in a group — at church, home or in the pub — is also proven to lower levels of the , improve lung function and help regulate heart rate.

Festive decorations can boost mood and wellbeing, with experts saying twinkling lights and tinsel raise dopamine levels and help people feel happierCredit: Morsa Images

DECOR DOPAMINE: Deck the halls with tinsel and twinkling lights because are actually good for you.

Experts say the seasonal adornments can increase joy and contentment by and triggering a neurological shift that is great for our mental wellbeing.

One study found 64 per cent of people felt happier surrounded by festive decor.

Spending time with family and friends at Christmas can strengthen bonds and boost wellbeing, helping to lower stress, anxiety and even blood pressureCredit: Choreograph (Konstantin Yuganov)

FAMILY FUN: There may be squabbles, but there are also lots of benefits to spending more time with family and friends at Christmas.

It strengthens and creates close bonds, bolsters feelings of security and belonging and has been proven to lower levels of , and .

Physical gains have been shown to include , an immunity boost and improved .

A short Christmas Day walk can boost circulation, aid digestion, improve sleep and even strengthen social connectionsCredit: Getty

CHRISTMAS DAY WALK: Even a short, 20-minute stroll will help boost circulation and regulate blood sugar.

Getting your steps in can also aid digestion once you’ve scoffed your festive dinner.

While you are out, wishing passers-by a Merry Christmas boosts social connections.

And exposure to daylight should help so you sleep better.

Giving gifts can boost happiness and self-esteem, with studies showing it triggers feel-good brain chemicals and may even help ease pain

GIVING GIFTS: Handing over presents invokes increased feelings of purpose, self-esteem and overall fulfilment with life, experts say.

And watching others open gifts we’ve picked for them triggers the brain’s reward system, releasing feel-good chemicals and endorphins such as serotonin and oxytocin.

Studies even show gift-giving could ease pain.

Festive TV favourites, such as Amandaland, above, can help lower stress and anxiety, giving the brain a chance to rest and unwindCredit: PA

FESTIVE TV SPECIALS: Whether you tune in to Amandaland or Call The Midwife’s festive episode, don’t feel guilty about relaxing in front of the telly.

It is proven to help lower stress levels and allows the brain to rest. Heart-warming screen favourites can even soothe the nervous system and reduce anxiety.

Eating Christmas dinner earlier in the day can aid digestion, balance blood sugar and may even reduce heart risks and lower the chance of acid refluxCredit: Getty

EATING EARLY: Tucking into turkey and trimmings before the could be better for you than a large evening meal.

Eating earlier is proven to be better for our digestive systems, improving metabolism and balancing blood sugar levels.

Studies show it could also and reduce the chance of acid reflux.

Playing games at Christmas can boost brain power and mental health, with laughter helping to ease stress and anxietyCredit: 10'000 Hours

GAME ON: Joining in as the kids play with their newest toys, whipping out the Trivial Pursuit or enjoying a round of charades can lead to wellness wins.

is proven to boost cognition and creativity, plus improve . Some studies show it could lower a future risk.

Laughing is also good for reducing anxiety and stress.