Holiday spirit fills the air from Thanksgiving Day straight through the New Year. There are parties to plan and attend, special gifts to purchase for loved ones, religious traditions to celebrate, and decadent desserts to indulge in.
Yet, this time of silver bells and sleigh rides can also bring STRESS. Experts agree the added responsibilities of the holiday season can easily overwhelm people, causing fatigue and gloom – better known as "the holiday blues."
According the American Institute of Stress, the happy hustle and bustle of the holidays can quickly become a frenzy of must–dos, like "trying to find the right gifts for everyone at the right price, remembering to send cards to everybody you should, wrapping presents, crowded stores, long lines, last minute oversights, busy schedules, unavoidable confrontations with relatives you'd rather not be with, career and travel obligations that conflict with family functions, [and] too many parties."
This extra stress has both physical and emotional consequences. Some of the common symptoms of stress that people often experience during the holidays include headaches, heartburn or stomach pain, muscle spasms, social withdrawal, and mild depression.
No wonder people become Grinches and Scrooges! However, before you decide to sleep through the holidays, remember that much of this stress is not only manageable, but also avoidable. Following are some stress–relieving tips:
Make a list
Make a list of all of the stressful situations that you expect to face this holiday season. Then decide which ones you can control, like getting enough sleep, and those that you cannot, such as long delays at the airport. Now think of solutions for the stresses that you have the power to overcome. For example, if long lines at stores drive you crazy, plan to be at the mall as soon as it opens, and leave at the first sign of a crowd. If making idle chitchat at parties with people you don't know makes you anxious, ask a friend to attend the party with you.
Plan ahead so you can enjoy your holidays
You can only do so much shopping, baking, party–going, and visiting. Take out your calendar as soon as possible and schedule specific dates to accomplish all of these events. Be sure to insert designated times for rest, relaxation and exercise.
Realize that families grow and change
Realize that families grow and change, suggest experts at the Mayo Clinic, and so your family traditions may also need to evolve.
Hold on to those family rituals [that] you still can — a special food or holiday activity — but understand that some traditions, such as everyone gathering at your house, may no longer be possible."
Call a truce
Grievances that you have with family members or friends should be set–aside for resolution at a more appropriate time.
Be penny wise
Admittedly, budgeting isn't much fun, but it will ensure that your holidays aren't a bust. Decide how much money you can afford to spend on each person on your holiday gift–list, then stick to your allotments, even if it means shopping around a little longer. The American Institute of Stress also recommends that you know exactly how much you currently owe on credit cards, before racking up additional holiday debt.
Sign up for store mailings
These circulars, fliers, and special–offer letters will let you know what's on sale, where, and for how long. You can easily compare prices to get the best deals. Also, check the Sunday paper circulars for special sales and promotions.
Get enough sleep
Late–night holiday parties can throw off sleep patterns, according to the American Institute of Stress, and cause people to "sleep–in" on their days off. These attempts to catch up on sleep can lead to "a build–up of carbon dioxide in the blood that can precipitate headaches."
Don't become a junk food junkie
We all know the scene — dishes of rich foods and fattening desserts on every table. Goblets of wine and other liqueurs passed at every party. Experts at the Mayo Clinic remind:
Don't abandon healthful habits. Don't feel pressured to eat or drink more than you're accustomed to just because it's the holiday season.
If you do, you may be faced with yet another holiday stress — weight gain.
Learn to say "no" and to ask for help
If attending a neighborhood holiday party is going to keep you up all night baking cupcakes for your child's holiday party at school, look for alternative solutions. Explain your busy schedule to the neighbors and miss the gathering, or buy the cupcakes instead of making them from scratch. Also, be sure to ask family members and friends for backup when you begin to feel overburdened or burnt–out.
