The holiday season is upon us! Feeling stressed? You’re not alone. Studies show that 8 out of 10 Americans
experience holiday stress. Stress can
lead to unhealthy behaviors and illness. Stress not only makes us feel bad, but it also
increases our chances of chronic illness.
Finally, stress can really decrease our enjoyment of the holidays. Don’t let this happen to you. Try these tips to combat holiday stress.
Tip #1: Set a Budget
Financial worries are the number 1 cause of holiday
stress. Many families are recovering from the recent
recession but many still experience financial difficulties. It’s important to set a budget during the
holiday season and stick with it.
Families with children should be honest about financial issues (without
causing excess worry in the kids). Give
gifts that are personal and thoughtful rather than expensive.
Tip #2: Set realistic expectations
Be reasonable this season.
It probably won’t be like a holiday movie and that’s ok. Rather than perfection, focus on the simple
things that make you happy. Pick the
things that are most important to you and make sure those things happen.
Tip #3: Start new customs
Do your old holiday traditions promote stress or negative
thoughts? Try something new. Creating new experiences can decrease emotional
pain and comparison to past events.
Tip #4: Get outside
Sunshine is so important for mental health. Try to spend some time outdoors every
day. Sunlight exposure increases
serotonin production in the brain which boosts mood and enhances calmness.
Tip #5: Make time to Exercise
Exercise is the best stress reliever. Any form of exercise will work. Even just 5 minutes of light activity can
have health benefits. Exercise has been
shown to decrease fatigue, increase alertness and enhance concentration. Engaging in physical activity causes the
brain to release endorphins and that makes you feel good. Exercise also distracts you from your
worries. So get out there!
I hope you have a wonderful
and healthy holiday season. Stay tuned
for more tips on stress reduction next week.
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