Hello, I am back from sunny and warm Caribbean trip, back right into the Holiday mood and prepping.
The holidays seem to be a time of increased stress for many people. With the physical, mental, emotional and financial strains that can accompany this otherwise pleasurable season, many find themselves overwhelmed and merely wishing that the holidays were over.
Too many people approach the holiday season with the attitude of “getting through the holidays,” and may find that they miss out on many of the wonderful things that the holiday season brings, like time with family and friends, peace, joy, generosity and gratitude. Instead, these people find that they get more colds and illnesses, have increased symptoms of depression and anxiety, gain weight, experience family drama and issues or have other reasons for not truly enjoying the holidays. The correlation between stress and illness is well documented, as stress wreaks havoc on the immune system.
Finding healthy ways to manage the demands is critical if you truly want to enjoy the season. This probably means making some adjustments to your expectations and your plans. Start by taking a good inventory of what you want to get out of the holiday season, this makes it easier to plan for the things that you want to maintain. Eliminating those things that add nothing but stress is important.
For example, if you happen to detest baking of all sorts, you may find that the thought of having to bake batches and batches of cookies is very stressful. Reconsider this plan, and maybe trade tasks with a friend who loves to bake and hates to wrap! Avoiding crowded malls, over-commercialization, high traffic areas and not overbooking or overscheduling yourself and your family are all good ways to help decrease holiday stress. Plan to visit with some family or friends that you might not normally make the time to see, and catch up. Limit the amount of money spent on gifts, so that you do not find yourself playing “catch up” when the January bills arrive in the mailbox. It is important to avoid “romanticizing” the holiday season or comparing your family’s celebrations and traditions to those of others. This is a surefire way to increase your stress or set yourself up for major disappointment.
Our childhood memories may be more glamorous when we recall them, when in reality, our parents were probably overwhelmed and stressed, too, though not likely to the same level, as the demands have increased over the past few generations.
Dwelling on past disappointments or family squabbles is another way to derail the potential for holiday joy. If you think of a new tradition to try or notice something your friends enjoy, then see how it works and if your family enjoys it.
Eliminate those traditions that have become cumbersome or obligatory, these are a source of stress. Reduce the risk of health problems and chronic conditions by reducing your holiday-induced stress. Simplify your plans and expectations, and focus on trying to enjoy the season and the opportunity to create and maintain lasting fun family traditions. Forget about planning the perfect party or finding the perfect gift. Spend your time and energy focused on what is really important, your family and loved ones and your time together. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, burdened and stressed, you may finish the holiday season looking forward to the next one because you feel reconnected with family and loved ones, rested and recharged.
And here are the free recipes for you to download. Hope you enjoy my gift!
Don’t forget to get nourished in between the Holidays. Check-out the delicious made for you high quality, allergy friendly meals that you can grab with you to work or have instead of a fast food available through my website right here!
P.S. Lots of fresh new soaps will be available to you next week, along with deliciously fruity moisturizers and masks – perfect Christmas gifts. There will be something for everyone!
