Is it possible to have a stress free or at least a less stressful holiday? Here are seven tips for enjoying this year’s holiday with as little stress as possible. Isn’t it time you take control of your stress producers?
Stress as defined by the American Heritage dictionary reads: “A mentally or emotionally disruptive or upsetting condition occurring in response to adverse external influences and capable of affecting physical health, usually characterized by increased heart rate, a rise in blood pressure, muscular tension, irritability, and depression.”
That doesn’t sound like a very happy way to spend this upcoming holiday season. Here are a few suggestions for a less stressful holiday season.
1. Make a shopping list and stick to it. Don’t go crazy overspending and overbuying. It’s not worth going into debt trying to please everyone. Make your list, check it carefully and don’t impulse buy once you’re at the mall.
2. You can’t please everyone. You can’t make everyone happy. Don’t allow the unhappiness of others to ruin your holiday spirit. Some people just don’t like holidays and it doesn’t matter what you do, they still won’t like the holidays. Family dynamics often have a way of interfering with the true spirit of the holidays – don’t allow it to get you down.
3. Make a “to do” list. Being organized and in control of your time is a stress reliever. You’ll be surprise how many things you can forget without a well thought out “to do” list. Your list will prove to be helpful by eliminating last minute oversights. Be realistic – does the house really have to look like a holiday wonderland?
4. Watch the overeating and overdrinking. Too many “carbs” and too much alcohol will only add to your stress. Don’t use alcohol and food to deal with negative emotions and holiday stressors.
5. Exercise is a great stress reliever. Take a walk outside or go to the gym. Sustained exercise helps to produce endorphins - endorphins are known as nature’s “high.” A natural sense of well-being can be the perfect stress reducer.
6. If you’re traveling for the holidays give yourself more than enough time. Don’t wait until the last minute to pack or get organized. Remember airports get crowded and roads can be snowy. Patience plus more than enough time is the key to stress free travel.
7. Remember the true meaning of the holidays. Step back and breath deeply. This is the time of to appreciate family, health and remembering the simple things that make life worth living. Look at the family album, listen to holiday music, watch one of the classic movies on DVD and plan to attend the service/celebration of your choice. The holiday season is a time for living with an attitude of gratitude.
Food for thought: You can’t always control the external circumstances that may be stress producing. You can though control how you choose to handle these circumstances physically and emotionally. Happy stress-free holidays!
Josephine Bacon
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