Health & Fitness
Banish Holiday Stress
We all want a happy holiday season. But oftentimes, that desire in itself can set forth a chain reaction of stress. In striving to put together the perfect holiday, we sleep in tents outside of Best Buy right after Thanksgiving, or in this year’s case, on Thanksgiving to get the “best deals” on the “best gifts.” We plan exorbitant parties, cram in other people’s parties every weekend, spend days on end in the kitchen and try to fit in our yearly volunteer work. With so many things to do, it’s no wonder the holidays fly by in a stressful blur. But perhaps the best way to have a happy holiday is to remove the stress and savor the moment. Here are some tips to do just that.
- Just Say ‘No’: This may be a tiny word, but it’s a difficult one to say. We easily mistake the season of giving for the season of people pleasing and we want to be everything for everyone. We think we should give our time and money and resources to whoever asks for them as part of the spirit of selflessness and generosity. However, you can’t give what you don’t have. Spreading yourself too thin just ensures that folks around you will get only a small portion of your full potential. Pare down your promises this year and commit only to those things that truly excite you and allow you to focus on what’s important to you for the holidays like family.
- Take Time for Yourself: If you expect to keep going like the energizer bunny, you’ll have to set aside time to recharge. Figure out a few things that can fuel you whether it’s as small as stepping away from a party and taking a few deep breaths or as big as planning a whole spa day to rejuvenate your body and mind. Also, stick to a consistent workout regimen to maintain your energy levels and stress-resilience. The more you take care of yourself, the better you will be able to take care of others.
- Anticipate an Emotional Hangover: The morning after that big party you planned can leave you with more than just a physical crash from too much egg nog and holiday cookies. You may also experience an emotional low brought on by an overload of social stimulus combined with the ending of an event that you’ve been focused on, planning for and anticipating for possibly weeks. Be prepared. Plan for some quiet time the next morning and a healthy breakfast to get your nutrients back up to snuff. Realize that your loved ones may also be experiencing the same emotional crash and be mindful. Give yourself and your family time to recover before running off to the next item on your to-do list.
Always consult your chiropractor or primary care physician for all your health related advice.
