Laurie-Ell Bashforth | Special to the Fitzhugh
Don’t get me wrong, the holidays can be a wonderful time.
The act of giving to others, those small acts of kindness, thinking with fondness and gratitude about the blessings in your life, joyfully connecting with family and friends, or tapping into the life-giving spirit of the season.
But it can also pile on added stress to our day to day lives.
What should be a time of peace, joy, and giving can become a time of hurrying, rushing, and worrying.
So, it’s important to find ways to balance holiday stress.
That way, you can enjoy the true pleasures of the season.
Here are some healthy holiday tips for when you need it:
1. Know your stressors and find ways around them
We all have stress points. Life is filled with them, and they’re unique to every individual.
The key is knowing what they are and choosing how to react to them.
Identifying what causes you stress and then finding a way around it gives you a sense of control around situations where you may feel you don’t have any.
For example, the Christmas after my mother died I knew that the Christmas baking was going to be an emotional stressor for me.
In the past, my mom did all the baking, and me (her daughter), her son-in-law (Merv), and her grandsons (Joshua and Tyson) joyfully received.
The year she passed I made sure to block out time for me to do the baking. I let everyone know that this was unconditional time.
I gave myself permission to cry, but to also feel the love she would put into those cookies and tarts.
And then I made sure to give them away. To pass on a little bit of my mom.
Knowing your stressors is the first step through them.
2. Get enough Z-Z-Z-Z’S
This is a gift you can give yourself, and we usually don’t. A good night’s rest can be the game changer.
Get your shopping, wrapping, and planning done in time for a full seven to eight hours of sleep each night, and more during periods of extra stress. Our body requires it.
3. Eat your veggies
During stressful times, our energy lowers and our immune system weakens. Give it a boost of nutrition.
Keep fresh or canned veggies on hand to supplement your meals or fill in the gaps as snacks.
4. Avoid using caffeine, alcohol, or tobacco to help keep you going
If you can’t keep up with your schedule, it may mean you need to re-evaluate and reduce some of your commitments.
5. Don’t overbook
N-O isn’t a four-letter word. It’s alright to say "no" now and again.
You’re in control of this show and you have the option of politely declining invitations or rescheduling a few events if need be.
Save your strength and holiday spirit for the activities and people that really matter to you.
6. Give yourself a break
Many of us get so caught up in giving and sharing with others that we forget to nurture ourselves.
Slot in some relax, recharge time. You deserve it.
Remember, it doesn’t have to be a big amount of time to make a big impact on your state of mind. This is the one appointment you really shouldn’t miss.
If you’re still struggling this holiday season please talk to your doctor, or Pharmasave pharmacist. We can help.
From our family to yours, all our love during this holiday season!
Want more healthy hints? Find us on Facebook at Pharmasave Jasper or sign up for monthly emails at Pharmasave.com. Just put Jasper as your local store.
