佚名/Anonymous
It's holiday again. Most of us look forward to it. But as we immerse ourselves in the holiday season—the parties, the shopping, the cookins, the relatives, the bills—what we were hoping for, fun and warm feelings of togetherness, often turns out to be little more than stress and fatigue.
Although it is nearly impossible not to experience some increase in stress during this hectic time, there are ways to help keep stress levels manageable. Consider the following tips to help make your holidays a little brighter.
—Continue to exercise during the holidays, even if it's less than your usual regimen.
—Try to eat healthy foods.
Relax between parties and other holiday obligations.
—Be aware of what's going on inside of you.
Are you missing a special holiday ritual from your childhood? Can you incorporate it in to your current holiday plans?
—Practise tolerance.
Remember that everyone in those long shopping lines is just as pressed for time as you are.(Better yet shop online!)
—Prioritize, prioritize, prioritize.
You cannot do it all, and if you try, you surely will not enjoy yourself.
—Budget your holiday spending money ahead of time.
Write down your spending list and stick to it.
—Remember that drinking alcohol only gives the illusion of feeling better and less stressed.
It is important to drink only in moderation—particularly during the holidays when many other stresses are present.
—Avoid bringing up difficult or sensitive subject matter at family gatherings.
—Give to someone less fortunate.
Adopt a needy family. Donate toys for underprivileged children. Remember that giving is the true spirit of the holidays.
—If you are from a displaced family, or for some reason cannot be with your loved ones during the holidays, seek out others in the same situation and plan a special gathering.
—Talk to a friend, or, if needed, a therapist, about your holiday blues and stress.