Long miles traveling in cars, waiting in busy airports, shopping in crowded stores, preparing large meals, crazy family dynamics, sick kids, school concerts, bossy co-workers, rude customers, decorating the house, baking cookies, wrapping gifts, icy roads … all of these things can raise your stress levels during the holidays. So, how do you make it through the next eight weeks? Stress is an automatic response triggered by our bodies and is important for our survival, but if it continues over a long period of time, it can negatively impact our health due to its effects on the cardiovascular, immune and nervous systems.
Do any of these common holiday ailments describe you?
Do any of these common holiday ailments describe you?
- Headaches, muscle tension, neck or back pain
- Upset stomach, loss of appetite or overeating comfort foods
- Anxiety, chest pains, rapid heartbeat
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Short temper, irritability, fatigue
- Put yourself first and make sure you are taking care of you, physically and emotionally
- Be careful with overly high expectations. No holiday celebration is ever perfect, and they don’t have to be the same every year. As life changes and families grow, traditions often shift as well.Try to be open to creating new memories.
- Make a list of holiday events and ‘to do’ projects, prioritizing those that are most meaningful. Choose activities that are most satisfying for you and your family.
- Honor your feelings. Many people struggle with some degree of loneliness or loss during the holidays. Being gentle with yourself and others can make it easier to be present in the moment.
- Create and stick to a budget. If you’re worried about your spending and how it will affect you after the holidays, be realistic about what you can afford today. The sentiment behind a gift is way more important than the cost, and homemade gifts are lovely to receive.
- Take a deep breath.It sounds so simple, but we often hold our breath when we are feeling frazzled by holiday stress. Taking a few slow, deep, belly breaths can reduce your stress levels in a matter of seconds.
- Say thank you. It’s easy to focus on daily frustrations and what annoys you, especially when you feel stressed. Recognize all the good in your life this holiday season and take time to reflect on these blessings.
- Focus on what really matters. The holidays are a time to reconnect with people we care about, to give thanks and celebrate. Take a few moments each day to reflect on family and friends, your job, your church and other aspects of our lives for which you are grateful.
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