5 ways of staying healthy during the holiday season, according to a therapist
Founding faster than Frosty the snowman? Try these tips.
This is the most wonderful period of the year - except when it is not the case. While the holidays can be a magical period, with sparkling lights wherever you look at and the excitement of gathering with friends, family and colleagues for Celebrate the season , he can also feel chaotic and crushing. (Which cannot tell when Beverly d'Angelo , in the festival classic National Lampoon Christmas holidays said: "I don't know what to say, except it's Christmas and We are all in misery ! ")
According to the American Psychological Association, 44% of women and 31% of men feel a Increase in their stress level Around the holidays. We asked Laurie Poole , Ms, a Therapist and approved professional advisor With the Montfort group in Dallas, Texas, to share an overview of holiday stress and how to manage it. Read the rest for his advice on how to stay calm and continue this holiday season - and even have fun while you are there.
Read this then: Dr Fauci has new advice to stay sheltered from Covid during vacation gatherings .
1 Stay simple.
If you have a sequence of perfectionism in you, the holidays are sure to bring it out.
"A joint holiday stress factor for many is to answer Your type A trends can have a joyful holiday season.
"We are not Martha Stewart ! And what friends and family remember at the end is what they felt during the celebrations, "she said." It is therefore preferable to remain simple, to ask others to participate and not put this pressure on yourself. ""
2 Go with the flow.
"Another factor of the holidays is to be with the family," explains Poole. "We can be delighted to be with parents - although some can fear it - but the anticipation of all this can be stressful."
Poole has several solutions to mitigate the stress induced by the family: "Create memories through new experiences that everyone can appreciate," she suggests. "Or just try to go with the flow and let events be sweat naturally, without forcing activities. Do not forget to take a deep inspiration if you feel the tension increase, or even go A fast walk outside! And if necessary when you stay with your family, limit your time if things go south after two days. ""
Read this then: Cutting the salt of your diet can reduce stress, says a new study .
3 Give your wallet to rest.
For many of us, the opening of our credit card surveys in January is even more stressful than navigating vacation gatherings. "Finance is another area that can be a huge Source of stress Throughout the holidays, "said Poole." Excessive expenditure and accumulate credit card debt often comes from a fear of other disappointing, but you end up paying it (literally) in the coming months. ""
She suggests trying anything other than traditional gifts: "For many, there is nothing better than the gift of yourself with your time. You can also try to set spending limits for the whole family, Or create a challenge to make or create your gifts instead, "she said. "With a little creativity, there are many ways to let your loved ones know that you are thinking of them without compromising yourself. It is really the thought that counts."
4 Monitor your alcohol consumption.
When the holiday pressure rises, it is tempting to pay A steep chicken milk (or three), drown your sorrows in a bottle of wine or stress an entire cookie tray. But this strategy is likely to turn around, explains Poole. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB
"The stress of the holidays can be exacerbated by alcohol and the mouth of wood," she warns. "And when these filters drop, therefore, make courtesies or good will, which often causes arguments. Moderation is the key to ensuring you wake up well and not regret anything that has been said the previous night. "
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5 Say "no" when you need a break.
If you've already dealt with a child with anger crisis, you know that dead time can do wonders. So, the next time you feel approaching a nuclear fusion, try to give you one. "With so much planning and waiting during the holidays, saying yes to invitations, requests and socialization can be stressful," explains Poole. "Try set limits for yourself , and say not when your head and heart are not aligned. ""
And don't skimp either, she said, even if you have a bunch of gifts to wrap and a vacation dinner to plan. "Make a point to rest too," added Poole. "" Afternoon naps Or dowing times can help recalibrate during the busy holiday season. ""
