There are many Holiday Stress triggers. Relationships, finances, physical
demands/time, guilt, and striving to have the perfect holiday all top the list.
· * Relationships can cause turmoil, conflict or
stress. The holidays can intensify
family misunderstandings and conflicts.
· * On the flip side facing the holidays without a loved
one can be difficult and leave you feeling lonely and sad.
· *It is difficult for people to accept close relatives’
behavior and/or beliefs.
· *With the added expenses
of gifts, travel, food and entertainment, the holidays are a major strain on
your budget and your peace of mind.
· * Overspending for the holidays can also mean financial
worries for months to come.
· * The extra shopping, socializing, cleaning, wrapping,
mailing cards, decorating and searching for the perfect gift can leave people
physically wiped out.
· *When you are exhausted your stress level increases and
you are more susceptible to catching a cold or virus causing a vicious cycle.
· *There is
seemingly never enough time to accomplish everything for the holidays.
· *Self-inflicted stress to have the “perfect” holiday is
very unhealthy for you and your family.
· * Striving to have your house perfectly decorated,
dinner and desserts cooked and presented perfectly along with attaining that
impossible to find present add to your holiday stress level.
· * This need for perfection often leads to a feeling of
dread at all of the upcoming work.
· *Feeling guilt for not being able to be in more than
one place at the same time. Coping with
stress by canceling holiday events with relatives can increase the stress/guilt
even more.
* Acknowledge your feelings.
If someone
close to you has died, you can’t be with loved ones, and/or there are
financial
difficulties realize that it is normal to feel overwhelmed by sadness and
grief. Take the time to talk with someone about your
feelings.
* Reach out - if you are feeling lonely or
isolated seek out community.
* Volunteering can lift your spirits and help you
make new friendships.
* Be realistic - the holidays don’t have to be
perfect - reflect on your priorities.
* As families change so do traditions and rituals.
* Let some traditions go and choose some to hold
on to.
* Simplify - streamline your to-dos and your
to-buys.
* Go potluck to save time, energy and money.
* Set aside differences - work to accept family
and friends as they are.
* Set aside grievances for a more appropriate
time.
* Be understanding when others get upset -
remember they are probably feeling the effects of holiday stress as well.
* Make a budget and stick to it!
* Don’t be overwhelmed with sales and last minute
gift buying.
* Come up with an alternative to buying gifts such
as; giving to a charity, making gifts, or starting a family gift exchange.
* Plan ahead - set aside specific days for
shopping, baking, visiting friends, etc.
* Plan your menu and then make your list to avoid
forgetting ingredients.
* Look for ways to prepare food ahead of time.
* Set the table ahead of time - this will save
time and allow you more time to enjoy the holiday.
* Set a deadline for completing shopping and mark
it on your calendar.
* Assign cleaning duties to family members.
* Send out e-cards if sending out physical cards
is to stressful.
* Shop online.
* Limit decorations.
e * Learn to say no - friends and colleagues will
understand if you can’t participate in every project or activity.
* If it isn’t possible to say no, try to remove
something from your agenda to make up for lost time.
* Don’t abandon healthy habits - overindulgence can lead to stress and guilt.
* Have a healthy snack before holiday parties so
you don’t go overboard on sweets and other high calorie items.
* Get plenty of sleep.
* Make time for physical activity.
* Take a breather and make some time for yourself.
* Take a walk.
* Listen to music.
* Indulge in a bath.
* Find the relaxation strategy that works to
reduce your stress, clear your mind, and restore your inner calm.
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