Great tips on how to combat that holiday stress

"Deck the Halls," "Santa Clause is Coming to Town," "Silent Night…" the stress of the holidays can catch up to you when you least expect it. So, take a deep breath. You can make it through if you have a plan. 

It’s that time of year again when you have to beat the madness in the malls or grocery stores just to get that perfect gift or delicious, succulent turkey or ham. You feel the tension clutch hold of your shoulders. You stop eating right because you don’t have time…plus you have an extra piece of pie or your fourth cookie (you can’t be rude at the cookie swap). When we stop eating right, we tend to get sick. So, be sure to keep to a nutritious diet, at least as much as possible. My kids’ pediatrician said she can tell when Halloween is over because she gets a lot of sick kids in her office just from all the junk they eat.

However, it’s not just your diet that’s making you feel sick. It’s all the chaos of getting together with family (in-laws especially), last-minute shopping, making sure everything comes out perfect if you’re the one cooking…you know the stresses.  

Tips on avoiding stress and tension:

1. Don’t over shop - the holiday isn’t going to fall apart because you didn’t buy everything
2. Take a hot bath
3. Get a massage
4. Cut back on the caffeine and alcohol - which can make you jittery
5. Take a moment to relax - sit in front of the fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa with your partner
6. Go outside and play with your kids or partner - sled riding, building a snowman or skiing are great stress relievers

Here’s some tips for staying on track this holiday:

1. Stick to a healthy diet
2. Take care of yourself - keep exercising, keep a journal to write down the stress, talk about it to someone (don’t keep it inside or you’ll explode)
3. Stay calm when you are around family members that push your buttons - take a deep breath and tell yourself it doesn’t matter
4. Cope with your problems without excessive drinking, shopping, overreating, isolating yourself
5. Enjoy the holidays - they only come around once a year and try to remember what it’s all about
6. Have a plan - if someone in your family pushes a button, maybe have a plan with your partner on how to deal with it
7. Don’t neglect your partner or significant other - we tend to neglect our relationship during this busy season, sneak away just the two of you for some one-on-time
8. Compromise with your partner on what family’s house you are going to attend

Tis the season to be jolly! So, enjoy it while it’s here.

Source:

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/health/how-to-squash-the-tension-around-the-thanksgiving-table-312780/

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