Don’t Stress the Holidays

Article by Keri Outsey

With the holiday season upon us, many people are full of holiday cheer. Happy to celebrate family, friends, blessings, gift giving, and the list goes on. People are making plans to travel to see loved ones. Others prepare grandiose meals to lovingly display affection for those they hold near and dear. Some have even gotten hit with the giving bug by shopping on Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday. Houses are all decked out in holiday décor. Christmas trees are up. Spectacular lights are lit on houses. Many homes are filled with aromas like cinnamon and pine, which mark the season. All this is done to celebrate the seasons.

When thinking of the holiday seasons it can make one feel warm, happy, and nostalgic. What often is not considered is the stress that comes along with this time of year.  Stress has a way of going undetected. People do not realize why they may have that headache or insomnia. Stress can go even farther and serve as the root cause of chronic illnesses such as hypertension, obesity and diabetes according to the Mayo Clinic.

Awareness of this problem is key to fixing it, and the good news is it can be done. Here are some relatively easy ways to reduce stress.

1.      The Art of Compromise – Some of your stress may be due to “people pleasing”. People-pleasing is when we put others’ needs before our own, which may be to our detriment. Instead, practice the art of compromise. There are ways to achieve your goal and help others too. Instead of agreeing to cook for all 15 members of your family and hosting the dinner, ask for each person to bring something to contribute to the meal. This reduces your stress and allows others to contribute to the celebration.

2.      Hike, Walk or Exercise – According to Health.com, exercise has a way of releasing endorphins and reducing stress. This is a tip that has at least two benefits. Not only do you rid yourself of undue stress, you burn calories in the process. It’s a win-win situation!

3.      Make a Plan – Creating a plan reduces stress. Instead of wasting time wondering what to do next or not knowing what to do in a certain situation, create a plan that can direct your path. Knowing what you need to do will reduce the likelihood of you feeling overwhelmed, confused and anxious. For tips on creating a plan, click here.

There are many things we can do to reduce our stress level and enjoy the holiday season. Now that you are equipped with some signs and symptoms as well as tips on relieving stress, you’re ready to address your New Year’s resolutions head on.

For more tips on how to improve your stress level, especially during the holidays click here.

Resources

Stress, depression and the holidays: Tips for coping http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress/MH00030

Stress symptoms: Effects on your body and behavior http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress-symptoms/SR00008_D

Time management: Tips to reduce stress and improve productivity http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/time-management/wl00048

 Contact Keri Outsey at:

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