The Grinch Who Stole Holiday Cards
Is this time of year particularly stressful for you? If so, you’re not alone. According to the American Institute of Stress, more than 110 million Americans take medication for stress related causes each week. When the holidays come along, people already predisposed to stress can find themselves feeling blue and more stressed out than usual. Yikes!
This got me thinking. Why are the holidays stressful? Two words: Too Much.
Doing Too Much. Over the holidays, we tend to overextend ourselves. Too many parties, too many commitments, too many activities.
Eating and Drinking Too Much. An overabundance of parties lead many people to eat, drink, and be merry — often to excess. The temptation to overindulge in rich desserts or alcohol can cause many people the lasting stress of dealing with consequences (weight gain, not feeling well, etc.) that can linger long after the season is over.
Spending Too Much. A huge holiday stressor is money and the debt that lingers after the holidays. Not cool.
Who says it has to be this way? Not me. So what can we do? One word: Simplify. Take a moment right now and ask yourself this question. “What is one thing I can eliminate or simplify this year?” For me it is not sending out holiday cards.I know, I know… I love getting cards in the mail this time of year. However, with moving to a new house this month, balancing my business and an 11 month old… something had to give.
Below are some other quick tips to reduce your holiday stress:
Have a positive attitude.
Try not to worry about things out of your control.
Problem solve with people around you. Ask them to help you alleviate stress.
Exercise – A few extra minutes of exercise a day can benefit your overall health.
Eat real food – Decrease the amount of processed, packaged foods.
Meditate, or take a class in relaxation and stretching techniques –like Tai Chi or Yoga.
Reduce the amount of caffeinated beverages you consume.
Rest – Try to get a few more hours of sleep.
Get a massage. A massage can be beneficial for the mind and body.
Breathe and relax. This time of year is supposed to be fun. 🙂
What is that one thing you can eliminate or simplify this holiday season? I would love to hear from you. Post a comment on my blog or on Facebook.
