The holidays come with inevitable stress, but there are several ways you can avoid or reduce that stress this Christmas. What you eat, what you do, what you buy and how you think all effect stress levels and can effect how relaxed you are this holiday season.
Eat Healthy to Reduce Stress
The holidays are a time of abundant sweets, good food and lots of overeating. Making the decision ahead of time to eat healthy will reduce stress and help you feel better going into the New Year. Be sure to eat sweets in moderation and include fruits and vegetables in your diet. Pay attention to portion size and stop eating when you are full. Avoid constant snacking and consider limiting the amount of treats you keep around the house available at a moment's notice. You can freeze cookies and thaw only what you need for the day to help prevent the ever present temptation to snack.
Exercise to Relieve Stress
Stress can weaken your immune system and cause a number of health issues. Exercise can help combat those health problems and will help relieve stress to allow you to enjoy the holiday season. Even if you do not have time to exercise every day, making the effort to spend at least 30 minutes three times a week to work out, will allow you to feel more energized, healthy and less stressed. Whether you go to a gym to work out, walk around the block, or purchase an exercise video to do in your living room, decide to do something that will keep you active and provide an outlet for stress.
Saving Money to Avoid Stress
During this hard economic time, money, or the lack of it, can be the cause of a lot of stress. Finding ways to spend less can help prevent unnecessary stress during this time. Look for creative ways to spend less on gifts, and reuse old decorations. Avoid shopping whenever possible to avoid the temptation of all the flashy decorations and treats. Make a list and stick to it when going out for those things you need.
Be Positive for a Stress Free Holiday
Fighting stress can be as simple as fighting negative thoughts. Write down the things you need to do so you do not worry about forgetting something. Find things to be thankful for, and remain positive. Make the decision to think positive instead of negative this holiday season and remember everyone else around you is fighting stress of their own.
Purposefully finding ways to reduce or eliminate your stress this holiday season will allow you to have a more relaxed, enjoyable time with family and friends. Think about the things that cause you the most stress, and consider unique ways to cope.
Jennifer Wagaman - Jennifer is a mother of 2 and has both public, private and administrative experience in the education field.
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