Hints for the Holidazed

While researching information for this week’s blog I noticed something. The information from multiple sources was similar. Wording varied but the message was the same. So, rather than re-invent the wheel, I am sharing what I learned with you.

While you may be thinking you don’t need or want to read an article about holiday stress, please note—one of the BIG side effects of holiday stress is, STRESS EATING. Take a few minutes and you may learn a tidbit that helps you, even if you aren’t stress eating!

Laugh, often, find things to smile about.

BE REALISTIC
Reality bites. One of the fastest routes to holiday depression is unrealistic expectations. Be honest with yourself and your family about what you can and cannot do this holiday season. Chances are there will be others offering a sigh of relief.

STICK TO A BUDGET
Know your spending limits. I’ve heard more and more families putting all the names of family members in a jar and each person picks a name and is responsible for a gift for just that one person. It saves so much time, money and stress of shopping for a large family. Set dollar limits for gifts. It will be less stressful to set limits now than to spend the next 6 months trying to pay off the huge debt.

Parents and grandparents: it’s OK to tell your child/grandchild that a toy/computer game etc is too expensive and that even Santa Claus has limits. Guaranteed, talking with family and friends, their most cherished memories will be of moments, not of gifts received. Ask someone in July what they got for Christmas and they will have to think about it, but they will remember laughing so hard they cried when the dog lifted his leg on the Christmas tree.

PLAN AHEAD
Make a list and stick to it. Lists are wonderful and a great way to stay organized. A gift list, a grocery list, holiday card list, a “to do” list, a guest list. Scratch off each item as you accomplish them. You will feel triumphant.

LEARN TO SAY NO
It is OK to say NO. People will still love you. If you have trouble saying NO, try this-stand in front of the mirror and look yourself in the eye and practice saying NO. It is tough, but once you can do it in the mirror it will become easier.

TAKE A TIME OUT - FOR YOU
Make time for yourself-even if it is 15 minutes locked in the bathroom. I had 30 minutes that seemed so small and insignificant at the time but I keep thinking of it with fond memories! It was a week or so before Christmas, it was snowing, I had an appointment after work and some errands to run. The errands didn’t take too long and I had about 30 minutes before my appointment. I went to the local café, got a cup of hot coffee and a muffin and sat down. I usually bring my book with me or a grab a newspaper but this time I didn’t, I sat quietly. It was late in the afternoon, the café was quiet. It was the best muffin and cup of coffee and so peaceful and relaxing.

Give yourself permission to not accept every holiday party invitation if you prefer to stay home.

Stick to your healthy habits, now more than ever—exercise and watch the high fat foods and sweets, they are “high stress” foods.

Limit your alcohol intake

Seek help if you need it, professional counseling or the ear of a good friend, that’s what they are there for

Acknowledge your feelings, they are yours and they are valid.

DELEGATE
Let everyone in the family take an active role in helping and for Pete’s sake, if it isn’t up to your standards, let it go, the intentions are good and it is saving you time. It could be a funny memory in years to come.

Realize nothing is perfect and that it’s OK. Perfection is seldom obtainable.

BACK TO YOU
If the noise and commotion on the holiday starts getting to you, excuse yourself and take a walk. There may be a family member or friend who flees with you. It’s a great excuse to walk off the meal and clear your head and have a quiet conversation. I was at a family function a couple of years ago, a huge catered affair, noisy and crowded. I found a room away from the crowd and had a wonderful opportunity to get re-acquainted with a cousin who I hadn’t seen in years. We now keep in touch by phone and e-mail and I cherish our new found friendship.

If you are alone in a new place, recently divorced, there was a death of a loved one – reach out to someone else, volunteer-go to a nursing home, a VA hospital, homeless shelter, animal shelter - you will be surprised at how rewarding the gift of giving can be and so very much appreciated.

Let go of the past. Nothing stays the same. It’s OK to start new traditions.

And remember this, there are only 24 hours in a day and the holiday will go by and the next day gives you a fresh start.

Recipe for Relaxation
Serves 1, 0 calories

Take a minute to think of how your body feels. Is there anywhere you are tense? Does your stomach feel tight? Do your shoulders feel tense? Are your eyes or forehead wrinkled up? What about your legs and your hips?

Now take a second, sit up straight but comfortably in your chair, and relax. Practice belly breathing by concentrating on making your belly (below your rib cage, above your hips) rise and fall with each breath.

Close your eyes and concentrate only on your breathing for about 30-60 seconds.

Really, try it.

Now, take a minute to think of how your body feels. Did you notice a difference?

There is physiology involved with breathing this way that does all kinds of good things like lower blood pressure, increase nutrient uptake, improve memory and more. Try it any time; the more, the better.