We’ve reached that time of the year when we can pamper ourselves with parties, decorations, time with family, leisure time, and, of course, HEAPS of very tasty food. Oh wait… how about the stress, the flu, congested roads, crowds at the malls, time with vexing relatives and some extra padding around the waist? We don’t mean to sully the holiday spirit by evoking the spirit of Scrooge, but even the cheeriest of us is likely to experience one or more of these things over the holidays. So we thought it was a good time to share some of our favorite tips for getting through the holidays…
AVOIDING STRESS
Many of us view stress as part and parcel of the holidays, and perhaps this isn’t surprising. Our lives these days are VERY busy. Cramming all the holiday extras into the daily hustle and bustle of our modern lives is a sure way to begin to feel overwhelmed. If you’re beginning to feel stressed, anxious, or feel like you’re about to freak out… try some of these simple suggestions…
Breathe: (INHALE…EXHALE…DEEPLY) There are some great benefits that come with breathing deeply, including improved blood flow, stress reduction, and the lowering of blood pressure. Try deeply inhaling the fragrance when you’re cutting a piece of fruit.
Be Balanced: Many of us over-commit to things, and have trouble saying no. It’s okay to just say, no. When you’re overcommitted this can lead to burnout, stress, and even resentment, which would put no one in the holiday spirit.
Stay on Budget: Try not to overspend, you may just end up stressing about it well into the New Year. Before hitting the stores, have a gift budget in mind, and when you do reach the store, resist the temptation to look around and go directly to where you need.
Make Time for Exercise: If you’re worried about your fitness levels dropping faster than Santa down a chimney, worry not. Set a daily goal to do just half an hour of physical activity. Maybe you can park at the very end of the parking lot, or just take the stairs instead of the escalator.
MIND YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
Make no mistake, the holiday season fills your doctor’s schedule faster than last month’s thanksgiving dinner filled your stomach. Not that your doctor won’t be happy to see you, but they’d much rather see a healthy you for your annual visits. Here are some helpful tips for staying healthy over the holiday season…
If you haven’t already, Get Your Flu Shot: Think of this as not only looking out for yourself, but protecting your loved ones, friends, and neighbors.