By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
Stress is nothing we plan or calendar. It doesn’t even ask our permission, as though the gray clouds rolling our way are something we want. We respond per our personality, how we were raised, and life experiences. Some of us do a better job than others.
October ushers us into the holidays—Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. We long for spending time with family and friends, but with the celebrations come add strain and tension. How do we determine now to make our holidays sweet and memorable without the headache of stress?
- Prioritize what is most meaningful to you and your immediate family.
- Create a calendar of the events that matter. Post the events in a prominent place and include: the dress, type of occasion, what to bring, the address, and travel time to and from.
- Choose to accept the invitations that fit into your schedule and routine. It is okay to graciously decline.
- If you are hosting a party, research ways to make every aspect easy, fun, and exciting.
- Exercise even when you don’t feel like it. This huge stress-reliever keeps your body and soul in good working order. Choose being outdoors for a dose of healing sun.
- Eat nutritionally sound meals. Opt for protein, fruits, veggies, and whole grains. If you plan to attend a cookie swap, pancakes and syrup may not be a healthy option for breakfast.
- Give to others. Our gifts come in many forms: a smile, assistance, a kind word, loving text or email, or simply time.
- Shop when the crowds are low, early morning if possible. Many stores extend their hours to assist shoppers. Come prepared with a list.
- Brave forward by acquiring gift and celebration items online.
- Sleep a minimum of 8 hours. It’s hard to enjoy these wonderful moments when we’re sleep-deprived and need extra concealer to cover the bags under our eyes.
- Shove perfectionism out the door. So, your little ones want to help trim the tree or decorate cookies? Let them and compliment their creativity.
- Treat yourself to a massage.
- Relax and enjoy your family. Do things together and laugh.
- Turn off the mobile devices when enjoying family and friends.
- Add vitamin C to your diet.
We love the holidays and all that goes into planning memories with our loved ones. What tips do you have to relieve holiday stress and survive?
DiAnn’s Library Corner
Librarian – Stress is a real health hazard during the holidays. Can you offer help for young and old?
