Top 10 Ways to Deal With Holiday Stress
By Brian NorrisStress is inevitable. Anything that happens to us, whether it be "good" or "bad" causes our bodies to react. That reaction is stress. Stress is the result of our evolution. Stress thickens the blood, increases the heart and activates the production of key hormones that help us to fight or flee from the situation.
Although it is impossible to eliminate stress permanently, we can learn to manage our stress and prevent it from becoming chronic. Chronic stress will kill you. If you don't manage it, chronic stress can result in the following:
- Anxiety
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Backaches
- Cancer
- Canker sores
- Chest pain
- Decrease in sex drive
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Headaches or migraines
- Heart problems
- High blood pressure
- Hyperthyroidism
- Insomnia
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Lower immune system
- Muscle tension
- Skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, rashes, or hives
- Tooth and gum disease
- Stroke
- Tension in joints
- Ulcers
- Weight gain or loss
Some estimates say that up to 90% of all doctor visits are caused by stress-related issues.
The holidays can be extremely stressful. The stress might be caused by the aggravation caused by lots of snow, or dealing with drivers, or working extra hours to be able to afford gifts. It might be the stress created from dealing with family members that you really don't like. Just trying to plan your activities and fit everything in can cause stress. Being alone during the holidays causes stress too.
To help manage your stress levels during the holidays, consider these suggestions.
1. Exercise. Get on a tread mill or Elliptical machine and get your heart pumping. Cardio-related activities get the heart rate up and help to release pent-up stress. It also helps you to focus. In addition, do some weight-bearing activities. Pick up a dumbbell, do some push ups. Also, stretch frequently.
2. Breathe. Deep breathing increases you body's oxygen levels and helps regulate stress. Try breathing in through your nose filling your lungs completely. Hold it for about 7 seconds and release through your mouth slowly. Do this a few times throughout the day and you'll notice your stress levels go down and your ability to deal with the situation go up.
3. Make a deal with family ahead of time on spending limits on one another. Remember that few of us really need more stuff! Also, agree not to bring up polarizing issues during the holiday get together. Just agree not to debate on politics or to get into arguments about which sibling is the best or worst.
4. Shop online. Malls are full of stressed people. Your body picks up that stress and often internalizes it. If you have to shop, pick a time that is slower. Also, if you must purchase stuff, get it now. Procrastination is a huge stress inducer and totally avoidable.
5. Invest in some disposable cutlery so that you can avoid washing dishes altogether. Encourage catered events or having your main dishes prepared by a specialty store like Honey Baked Hams. Even grocery stores often offer pre-cooked turkeys and hams during the holidays. Try to avoid going to restaurants on major holidays as they get too busy and slip in their service standards. Plus, holidays tend to bring out amateur diners who don't know proper restaurant etiquette or how to drive properly.
6. Connect with like-minded people who also want to share the holidays with someone. Human interaction is so important. Touch and conversation can make us feel more positive, raise our self-esteem and help us to feel human again. If you know someone who is alone during the holidays, invite them to join you for a holiday meal or some coffee.
7. Get a massage or two. A deep-tissue massage can release stress that has accumulated throughout your muscular system. Add in light touch massage and you help the body release endorphins and other natural pain killers. Just spending time with someone who will listen to you and touch you for an hour or two is deeply therapeutic and ultimately healing (for both you and the massage practitioner).
8. Learn to say NO. The holidays can pull you in multiple directions. Instead of trying to make everyone happy, realize that your sanity is more important. So if someone asks you to do something or to attend an event or to make a donation or whatever, smile and thank them for the offer. Then kindly say no. Then excuse yourself from the conversation and walk away.
9. Make time for yourself. We love our spouses, partners, kids, friends and family. That does not mandate that you be connected to them at the hip all the time. Just scheduling time where you can be alone or do something just for you can make your stress level more bearable.
10. Live in the present. Don't dwell on the past. Whatever you've done or someone did to you is history. And tomorrow can only happen if you do something today. Now, this moment, is what matters. And it is special. Cherish this moment and live in it completely. Let your senses experience the world around you. Live without regret.
Brian is co-founder of Milwaukee's Best Massage
You can reach him by calling 414-899-1905 or by visiting:
http://www.MilwaukeesBestMassage.com
