COPING WITH HOLIDAY STRESS

Do you need help coping with holiday stress? Each year just before Thanksgiving, people start acting strange because of holiday stress. The holidays are supposed to be a season of comfort and joy but sadly, they become days of stress and anxiety. The holidays seem to raise stress levels and lower our ability to enjoy the season.

Here are a few stress erasers to help lower your stress and increase your cheer during this holiday season:

Do Less

How many times will you change your schedule to squeeze in one more party or one more tradition? No other time of the year do we try to cram as much activity in such a short amount of time. We increase our blood pressure, respiration rate and our anxiety level when we do too much. The world will not end if you skip a Christmas party or buy fewer gifts.

Start Early

Being prepared is half the battle to lowering stress levels. When we fail to prepare for events like Thanksgiving dinner or purchasing presents, we increase stress and anxiety. Instead of waiting until the day after Thanksgiving, or Christmas Eve, to start shopping, start right now. There are certain things that we buy each year that will stay the same, so lower your stress and start early.

Slow Down

One of the reasons we feel so stressed during the holidays is because we are so rushed. Spend time enjoying the season. When feeling rushed, take a moment for yourself. As you are shopping, wrapping gifts or a host of other activities, take a break and do something relaxing, like drinking some hot chocolate or listening to some of the Christmas music.

Prioritize Yourself

Some of the things that we put at the top of the "to do" list really do not matter. Take a time out, and take a few moments to figure out your priorities. Anxiety rises only when we have our priorities out of line. Make sure the right things are at the top, and do what truly matters.

Remember Why You Are Celebrating

Our stress rises because we get so busy doing things that we forget why we are celebrating. Thanksgiving ought to be a time to count your blessings. Christmas should be a time of celebrating our beliefs and our family. Remember why you celebrate and what is important during this holiday season.

Life123.com