Deck The Halls
Do you find it hard to cope with holiday stress? The shopping lists, decorating, food preparation, and kids…well.
The holidays are upon us and we should all be leisurely sipping eggnog around the fireplace. Are you with me on this?
So why do we find ourselves in a frenzy trying to get too many things done in anticipation of that one perfect, albeit elusive holiday moment?
Despite expectations, holidays are a time when many of us end up stressed out, exhausted and overworked, so the joy is completely lost.
Nonetheless, the holidays really should be about family, friends, renewal, and even fun?!
As we all know, achieving any dream is not purely magic.
It is mostly hard work and in the end, it is all worth it though.
Otherwise, we wouldn’t go at it so hard year after year.
A little bit of balance and planning can go a long way toward beating the holiday stress.
Making at least some of those holiday dreams a reality.
Here are some ideas to help you deal with the pressures of the holiday season and fend off that holiday stress.
Prioritize
Prioritize, organize and simplify. Sit down and think about your goals.
What do you really want out of the holidays?
What do you need?
What does your family want and need?
Don’t make assumptions. Talk about it.
Needs and expectations change as children grow and family networks variously shrink and expand.
Disgruntled family members mean stress for all. Try your best to not be that person.
Budget
Establish your budget realistically and conservatively.
There is pressure coming at you from every direction to overspend during the holidays.
But spending now, with the knowledge that you will still be paying it off at this time next year can whisk every bit of the joy out of the season and add to the holiday stress.
Be realistic and be honest. Set your budget, write it down and stick to it!
Despite what advertisers want you to think, the reason for the season is not to spend as much money as possible.
Schedule your Time
Be just as realistic about your time as you are about your money.
Cooking big meals may not be practical, although I do prefer it personally, there are other options available now.
Use convenience foods or pre-cooked options to round out your holiday table.
Don’t be afraid to ask others to pitch in.
Do your shopping online instead of at the mall, and have the gifts delivered.
Realistically, decide which invitations to other events that you will accept and which ones you will not.
Discuss priorities openly with friends and family members.
Re-evaluate and reduce your commitments to bring them in line with a time manageable reality.
Remember to Relax
It is easy to forget your everyday good habits during the holidays.
The stress and frenzy of the season can quickly take its toll.
None of us want to be that horrible relative who always manages to spoil the fun for everyone else.
Be consciously aware of your holiday stress and fatigue levels.
Take a deep breath before you fly off the handle.
Learning to keep your cool not only helps reduce the harmful effects of excess stress on your mind and body.
It will also help keep holiday stress levels down for those around you and everyone will be more relaxed and have more fun.
Exercise
Experts everywhere acknowledge the value of good aerobic exercise in helping with stress reduction as well as a healthy well being.
We all know this fact, but often forget it during the holidays… Don’t forget.
Even if it is only for a few minutes at a time, incorporate physical exercise into your day.
Spend a few minutes on your exercycle.
Take a quick walk.
Take the stairs.
Is there dancing at the holiday party? Join the fun.
It’s good for you. Get the idea?
Holiday stress or everyday stress, make grabbing opportunities for exercise a regular part of your everyday routine.
Watch What you Eat
Good nutrition is for good health and every day feel-goods.
It is easy to load up on sweets and treats during holidays, especially when you may not have time for real meals and then have to face lavish party spreads.
The whole process wreaks havoc with your waistline and your health.
Your energy level slows down, and your disease resistance is compromised.
As a result, you can end up run down and sick right in the middle of the festivities.
Despite endless yummy temptations, you do need to make certain your body is properly nourished.
Grab a piece of fruit or veggies and dip, instead of dipping into that candy bowl.
At the very least, remember your vitamins.
Watch Your Alcohol Consumption
Food is not the only holiday temptation. Be aware of your alcohol limit and drink responsibly.
A season of festivities can be draining in more than one way.
Pace yourself, if you have a round of parties to attend and hire a driver.
Even a couple of drinks can reduce your energy level the next day, and if you have a heavy schedule, you may want to go pass on the alcohol altogether.
You can count on a hangover spoiling the next day completely, and if you have plans with others, it may be more than your own day that is spoiled.
Needless to say, if you are an alcoholic, holidays are not the time to skip AA meetings.
Get Adequate Rest
Sometimes easier said than done, since the holidays can be a true frenzy.
There are gifts to buy and wrap, cards to send, parties to attend, parties to throw, houses to clean, meals to cook and in the middle of all this, most of us still have jobs to do, kids to take care of and families that need our attention.
Just thinking about it can make you tired, but fatigue and overwork impair judgment and shorten tempers.
It will wear you out physically and emotionally.
And the lovely holiday you were working so hard to create can be dashed by hurt feelings, excelled by stress-induced snipping.
Don’t be ashamed to take a nap. And don’t be ashamed to admit that you need one.
Quiet relaxing moments may need to be scheduled.
They are essential to your mental well-being and to a happy holiday season.
Practice Realistic Acceptance
In all this hustle and bustle of do’s and don’ts, realize there are some things (and people) you will never be able to change.
You will be a lot calmer if you can realistically accept, what is unchangeable.
Holiday get-togethers are not the place to vent over past wrong deeds.
Emotional Well Being
Attend to your emotional needs. For many reasons holiday occasions often reopen old wounds.
We all experience loss in our lives, and the season can make a recent divorce or death in the family seem unbearable.
Take active measures to take care of yourself.
Go to your place of worship.
Attend to your spirituality.
Although it may sound quaint today, attending a religious service can be very healing.
Beyond that, talk about what bothers you. You need to vent your rage.
If for whatever reason, you cannot talk about it to a friend or family member, get a therapist or call a telephone counseling line.
There is a free one in most cities.
Keeping a journal is one of the oldest forms of therapy, and it too is free.
Attending to your emotional needs does not mean spilling your guts at the holiday table, it means finding a safe place for support and using it when needed.
Make Peace with Yourself
This is not a luxury, it is a necessity. Time-honored methods of nourishing body and soul include; prayer, yoga, meditation, Tai Chi and devotions.
On a daily basis, it is one of the best things you can do to maintain both your serenity and your sanity.
Even if you only have a few minutes to do it, make peace with yourself every day.
Remember, no matter what day you celebrate, the holiday season is indeed a season.
Prepare to take care of yourself throughout.
Schedule time to exercise and relax each day, even if it is only for a few brief moments.
Be aware of other’s needs as well.
Be especially aware if anyone close to you has suffered a great loss in the recent past.
In many ways, the holidays, which are widely heralded as times of great joy, are also times of great sorrow.
That too can be overwhelming.
Take deep relaxing breaths when you feel emotions rising or tempers flaring.
Above all, do not take everything personally.
Conclusion…
Realize that under holiday stress (and yes the holidays are stressful) people often say things they normally would not.
Do not let them get to you and you will all feel better for it. Take care of yourself and the ones you love.
May we all have a Peaceful Stress Free Holiday.