Avoiding Holiday Stress
- Time/money management: In trying to make our inner holiday movie a reality, we tend to fill up all of our available time with errands and obligations. Some of us throw our budget to the wind. This kind of overload exhausts the adrenals by saturating our bodies with cortisol (they don’t know the difference between stress caused by a physical threat and stress caused by a massive holiday traffic jam or credit card bill). Extended exposure to cortisol affects insulin levels, exhausts the adrenals and impairs brain function.
Avoiding holiday stress — the supply side
So now that we know why our bodies are under such stress at this time of year, what can we do about it? Luckily, women have an enormous capacity to adapt and renew. Incorporating even a few of these suggestions into your holiday routine will help you feel better.
- Examine your inner holiday “movie”. Think about what made your family traditions (or lack of them) so influential. Acknowledge their importance but try to single out certain experiences that mean the most to you and let others go.
- Be present for your loved ones. Find a time when you can sit down with the most important people in your life and spend time with them. Maybe it is a holiday gift-wrapping party or a cookie-baking afternoon. Turn off the phone, put away the to-do list and have fun with the ones you love the most.
- Delegate responsibility. Remember that this is supposed to be a time of joy — for you as well as your family. Instead of taking everything on yourself, ask others to do certain things. Include members of your family or friends in your tasks. This will show them that you want your holiday to be a joint effort and alleviate any feelings of resentment and anger.
- Plan ahead. Shopping early, freezing meals, and wrapping presents ahead of time are all good ways to relieve pressure. If you accomplish the bulk of your holiday tasks early, you will be able to give your family and friends your time and attention.
- Incorporate some of the spiritual aspects of the holidays into your life. Going to a local church or synagogue is one way of connecting to a larger sense of the holidays. Even if you aren’t religious, listening to a sermon, watching a holiday pageant, singing hymns or lighting candles can be a comforting way of opening yourself up to the more profound joys of the holidays.
- Reach out to others. The best way to feel connected is to get connected. It is also good for you — now and beyond the holidays. Research indicates that caring for others physically activates hormones that alleviate stress — just don’t overdo it! Volunteering during the holidays at your local hospital, school, or shelter is a good way to make first steps into the larger community. Many hospitals ask for volunteers on the pediatric wards this time of year. Finding a way to be with children and share in their joy is a wonderful way to celebrate.
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