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Start Talking!
Know! How To
Reduce Holiday Stress
12/10/2018
The holidays are meant to be a joy-filled season of gathering with
friends and relatives, enjoying festive lights and music, exchanging
goodies and giving generously. However, when time and money are
stretched, relationships are strained and expectations are not met,
what is meant to be a time of celebration may become a time of
overwhelming stress, leading many to turn to unhealthy coping
behaviors, including alcohol and other drug use.
While it is unrealistic to think we can eliminate holiday stress
completely, it is vital to our health and well-being to do what we can
to keep it at a minimum.
Here are 10 tips to ease holiday stress:
Organize and Prioritize: Make a detailed list, check it twice, and then
prioritize based on what must get done now versus what can wait or even
be skipped altogether.
Don’t Overcommit: You may need to graciously turn down a party
invitation, and that is okay. Time is precious and so is your sanity.
Keep Gift-Giving in Perspective: While shopping for loved ones is a big
holiday stressor, most people cannot even recall what gifts they
received (or from whom) last Christmas, kids included.
Deal with Family Dysfunction Delicately: The potential for conflict at
an upcoming family get-together can create a great deal of stress. Keep
in mind this is not necessarily the time or place to address
longstanding family issues. Do your best to avoid the drama, but be
prepared to politely excuse yourself if needed.
Take Social Media with a Grain of Salt: Most people are only going to
post pictures that put them in the best light. So, you’re sure to see
photos of friends at holiday parties posing with big smiles,
beautifully decorated tables with picture-perfect food, and happy
families gathered in front of the fireplace. There is nothing wrong
with sharing or looking at such pictures, so long as you keep in mind
that you are only seeing people’s joyful moments in between their daily
challenges of real life.
Give Yourself a Time Out: Take a break from the swirl of activities by
fitting in some quiet time each day. Try reading, meditating or just
kicking up your feet for a bit. Your mind and body will benefit.
Make Sleep a Priority: Sleep is food for the soul. Getting plenty of
sleep will help to make your spirit bright.
Make Time for Sunshine and Exercise: Step outside – it’s amazing what a
breath of fresh air and a brisk walk can do for you. Keep it going if
you can; regular exercise reduces stress and anxiety.
Be Charitable: If you are in a position to give financially to those in
need, go for it. Another great way to give back and make a difference
is to volunteer with your children at a local charity.
Focus on Gratitude: Write down the many things you are thankful for and
refer to them often to keep your thoughts positive.
May your stress be less and your joy be more this holiday season!
Remember to follow Start Talking! on Twitter and Like us on Facebook.
Learn how to get the drug prevention conversation started at
StartTalking.Ohio.Gov.
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