Holiday Stress: Who Needs It?
The holidays are one of the most challenging times of the year. The anxiety levels are heightened, stress is running rapid.Even in our home this rings true. My family has been diligently preparing our home for the holidays, climbing around the attic, pulling down boxes and boxes of memory filled symbols of the holidays past. Not to mention dealing with traffic, busy crowds, long lines at the checkout, sold-out toys, tangled strings of Christmas lights, all this on top of our day to day activities and work.
As we all are aware that stress is a big component of the "Holiday Experience" we all have to be reminded of examples of how to relieve some of that stress. This year it is time to look forward and set new traditions to avoid the stress.
At all costs get plenty of rest, eat a well balanced diet, exercise and spend some time with yourself.
All these are important in taking care of you. If you don't take the time for yourself then you are missing out on the most important thing, your own happiness.
Set a budget and stick to it.
Overspending can be a trigger to sabotage yourself once the holidays are over.
A few simple tips:
· Simplify your entertaining
· Travel and shop during off hours
· Suggest a Secret Santa exchange with a price cap for all the adults in the family
Manage expectations.
Everyone has romanticized ideas or expectations of what the perfect holiday is. We tend to set ourselves and each other up for disappointment by expecting everything to be perfect. Be realistic about getting together with family, and work from there.
Learn from past mistakes.
Think back and remember all of the times you said, "I'm never going to do that again." Look deep and ask yourself which parts of holidays past worked and which didn't. Be aware of past holiday issues, and then make a conscious decision not to repeat them.
Create your own holiday tradition.
Take a moment to think about exactly what you'd like to get out of the holidays this year. Coordinate this with your family; make a decision to stay true to it and not to lose focus.
Relax.
Take a few minutes for yourself; walk away, count to ten, whatever it takes. Give yourself a simple few minutes to re-group. The holidays are what you make of it. Relax and enjoy.
In order to help in reducing stress I have found a meditation tool that I have posted on my new website. I would like to share with you, it is my gift to you. Whenever you feel like you need a moment for yourself take it!!
It is not always easy to follow through on these measures, but taking care of yourself mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually and setting priorities will go a long way. Enjoy your holidays! They belong to you.
