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Synonymous with change, stress is anything that causes us to react to a physical, emotional, social, or spiritual stimulus. Even good change can be stressful because it disrupts our normal rhythms and equilibrium. The American Institute of Stress (AIS) blames stress for nearly 90% of doctor's visits and two-thirds of America's heart attacks. |
For many of us, holidays are a particularly stressful time. They highlight tensions in relationships and often bring on additional financial and time pressures.
Holiday stress . . . what we're taking out, and what we're putting in
Why is it that many of us get sick during or after the holidays? Most likely it's because we are confronting many different kinds of stress at one time. Between the social obligations, the drains on our bank accounts, and the increased number of toxins we take into our bodies from overindulgence and unhealthy food, it isn't any wonder our bodies and psyches say ENOUGH! Stress worsens our immune systems, making us vulnerable to opportunistic germs, such as fungi, viruses and bacteria. (1) Disrupted routines and over-extended schedules add to the problem, leaving us defenseless and vulnerable.
So . . . what can we do?
Here are a few tips for managing the stresses of the season, for a healthier and happier holiday:
- Ask for help with event planning or meal preparations. (If you're entertaining a large group, ask people to bring specific items or assign specific tasks);
- Be realistic about expectations. (Everyone may not be able to get together at the same place and at the same time, and no one behaves precisely as we might always wish them to);
- Manage expenses. (Some people find it helpful to begin shopping and planning for the holidays weeks, even months, in advance so that they are not hit with the cost all at once);
- Maintain healthy routines. (Make sure you get regular sleep, exercise, meditation or prayer)
- Watch your diet. (Though some indulgence over the holidays is understandable, try not to deviate too dramatically from your typical healthy eating habits, and avoid consuming too many anxiety-inducing foods and beverages such as coffee, chocolate, alcohol, and sugary desserts);
- Be good to yourself. (Work in some quiet time apart from others and don't overburden yourself with more than you can handle); and
- Recognize that holidays are about faith and family, not Hallmark card perfection.
Imagined change (worry & fear) is the worst kind of stress there is, and it can have a profound effect on our health.
Stress Free Gift Giving
A huge area of holiday stress for many people is the “gift exchange.” Did I buy enough? Did I spend enough? Will he like it? Are my kids getting as much as other kids? Am I going to have to pretend to like another tie from Aunt Gladys? We may be embarrassed by these thoughts, but we all have them. Here are a few suggestions that will keep the weight in your wallet and off your mind:
- Ask loved ones to provide “wish lists,” or give them gift certificates to their favorite stores.
- Keep a list of things people need or want all year long . If you see something that you think someone will like, go ahead and buy it, even if it's June, and tuck it away until the holidays. After-holiday sales are a great time to stock up on decorative napkins, candles, greeting cards, wrapping paper, etc.
- Stick to your budget, even when it's tempting to spend more. You'll be relieved you did when the credit card bills start arriving in January.
Also, make sure your budget includes things such as wrappingpaper, mailing costs, travel expenses, special food items, holiday decorations, greeting cards, etc. They really start to add up when December rolls around.
- Minimize spending; maximize experiences. Material possessions don't last and won't be remembered for long, but a ski trip, a sleigh ride, or a concert will be cherished forever.
- Get your family involved in charitable activities. Take the focus off the greedier aspects of the holidays by turning your attention to people in need. “Adopt” someone for the holidays; raise money for a charity; volunteer at a soup kitchen or nursing home; donate gifts to local programs such as your church, Samaritan's Purse or the Salvation Army; etc.
- Make homemade gifts. People are very touched by the fact that you created something especially with them in mind, and then took the time and thought to make it. Decorated picture frames, candle holders, planters, decorative mirrors, tins filled with cookies, hand-painted t-shirts, are all low-cost and easy to make, even for the most "creatively challenged."
- IOUs. Give personalized “IOUs” for different services that you can deliver, such as free babysitting, a car wash, a massage, a manicure, a night at the movies, etc.
- Nurture family traditions that emphasize the true meaning of the season. Many families create their own special holiday rituals, such as lighting Advent or Hanukkah candles; listening to CDs such as The Chronicals of Narnia , reading the Bethlehem story, A Christmas Carol or The 25 Days of Christmas; renting a favorite old movie like It's a Wonderful Life , etc.
“(1) UCSF-led Study Suggests Link Between Psychological Stress and Cell Aging,” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, University of California: San Francisco, November 29, 2004.
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