Health Corner
By Sue Danielson, health services
Christmas Stress
Christmas can be a stressful. Don’t let stress and depression ruin your holidays and negatively affect your health. The holidays bring a dizzying array of demands—parties, shopping, baking, cleaning, and entertaining. Here are some tips for a stress-free Christmas:
- Seek a fresh perspective. Take one task that drives you crazy during the holidays and tackle it in a new way. A fresh approach just might make a difference.
- Be satisfied with “good enough.” You don’t always have to go for bigger and better.
- Drop expensive holiday rituals. Families thrive on traditions, but it’s less about the event itself and more about time together.
- Focus on what’s most important.
- Remember to have fun. Take a deep breath and savor the moment.
- If you are traveling, bring gifts that are “travel proof” such as gift cards.
- Do something that makes you happy.
- Request free gift wrapping services at stores. Less for you to do later.
- Ask for help if you need it.
- Stick with the tried and true. Now is not the time to experiment with a new recipe.
- Know when to say no.
- Plan ahead and prioritize your list. Are they all essential to having a great holiday?
- Delegate tasks to family members to reduce your workload.
- Shop online and leave the stress of the long lines to others.
- Know when to stop your Christmas preparations and start to relax and enjoy the holiday.
- Keep calm, play relaxing music and burn scented candles.
- Make time for exercise – it’s a great way to de-stress.
Health services wishes you a healthy, happy, and joyful Christmas and New Year.