The holidays present an
array of demands - parties, shopping, baking, cleaning and entertaining. All of
these demands can cause stress which can effect the holidays and your health.
Stress is the body’s
response that helps you stay focused, energetic, and alert. In emergency
situations, stress can even save your life - for example giving you extra
strength to defend yourself. When under stress, the nervous system responds by
releasing stress hormones, adrenaline and cortisol which can cause key nutrient
depletion over time. Symptoms of stress can include sleeplessness, headaches,
pain, anger, anxiety, fatigue, poor immunity and hormonal imbalance.
The holidays don't have to
be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions and
rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to, and be open to
creating new ones. Being realistic, planning ahead, strategizing, and
nutritional supplements can help with overall health and holiday stress.
Here are some practical tips
to help you minimize the stress that accompanies the holidays:
- Volunteering to help others can lift spirits and broaden friendships.
- Find ways to celebrate together, such as sharing pictures, emails or videos.
- Set aside grievances until after holiday gatherings.
- Set a budget before you go gift and food shopping and stick to it.
- Try alternatives to gift giving.
- Donate to a charity in someone's name.
- Give homemade gifts.
- Start a family gift exchange.
- Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends and other activities.
- Plan your menus and make your shopping list to prevent last minute scrambling or forgotten ingredients.
- Line up help for party prep and cleanup.
- Saying “no” is ok. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can't participate in every project or activity.
- Don't abandon healthy habits. Overindulgence only adds to stress.
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Don’t skip time for physical activity.
- Make time for yourself and take a walk, listen to music, read, or get a massage.
