Stress And the Holidays

Tis the season to be…. Stressful?  Sure, we don’t plan on stress, but it seems to happen anyway.  There is so much built in pressure with the holiday season.  Extra shopping, cleaning, and cooking that add to the responsibilities  of our already chaotic lives.

Stress is an emotional and physical response to the pressures from the outside world.  We all experience stress on a daily basis.  In small quantities stress can be good.  It can motivate you and help you become productive, however,  too much stress can be harmful.  The interesting thing about stress is that it can be managed- even during the holiday season.  You can handle your holiday stress better once you understand and believe that you are in charge and that you can control it.

The easiest way to control your stress is to identify the stressor and then alter it so that it is not so stressful.  If your stress is cooking a big family dinner, you might alter your menu and include more precooked meals.  Or if cleaning is an issue, you might allow your company in fewer rooms so that you have less cleaning to do.  Or, you might require others to help you with the cleaning. 

Here are some simple tips to help you AVOID stress:

Learn to say no.  Too many times we accept things that we know in advance are going to cause stress.  Sometimes it is ok not to have everyone over for dinner.

Accept that you can’t do everything.  Sometimes it is ok to ask for help, or to just not do it.  If you are having everyone over for dinner you don’t have to use your special serving pieces that need to be dug out of the basement.  They might not even care if you served on some nice paper plates. 

People can be stressors.  You may not be able to avoid your in-laws, but you don’t have to sit next to them at the dinner table.  Try to avoid people that stress you out.

Knowing that you are taking control and changing your stressors will give you a sense of accomplishment.  You will feel better as soon as you take control.

Of course, many stressors are things that we can’t change. For these stressors it is good to know and understand some stress relievers.  Some tried and true relievers are

• Exercise-Stretching, walking, breathing exercise
• Relax- Light or aromatherapy, get a massage, take a long bath, listen to music, read a good book
• Meditation, Relaxation Techniques, or Self Hypnosis
• Release- Crying can help relieve stress!

Living a healthier life in general will combat stress.  Eat a healthy diet, avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs, get enough sleep, reduce caffeine and sugar, and exercise regularly.  Studies show that exercising 30 minutes a day three times a week is enough time to have an effect on your stress relief.

Here are some great stretching that helps relieve stress http://www.active.com/women/Articles/Stress_Busters.htm

According to the Mayo Clinic, one way to take control of the stress in your life is through physical activity. Being active can boost your feel-good endorphins and distract you from daily worries. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/exercise-and-stress/SR00036 .  A 30 minute high energy aerobic class will do wonders during this stressful season!

Good Luck and Best Wishes for a Stress Free Holiday Season.  If you would like more information on health and nutrition you can read our tips at www.valleybootcamp.com, or you can friend us on Facebook.