While we welcome celebrating with family and friends, those encounters can create emotional tension and strain. When we feel sad that loved ones can’t be with us, either through distance or death, the season can become the worst of the year.
Halloween has barely come and gone, if that long, before magazine articles, television programs , retail advertisements, and radio music tell us that this is
That is until the extra work of shopping, cooking, decorating, wrapping, planning and entertaining makes it the least wonderful time.
While we welcome celebrating with family and friends, those encounters can create emotional tension and strain. When we feel sad that loved ones can’t be with us, either through distance or death, the season can become the worst of the year.
By anticipating these events and feelings, we can prepare ourselves for the physical and emotional stress of the holiday season, and find a way to enjoy the festivities with “hearts all a glowing.”
These resources offer sound advice for confronting and conquering holiday challenges.
Writer Bruce Y. Lee takes a lighthearted but serious look at the holiday season and suggests music may help us cope better in
“Twelve Days of Christmas”: Keep perspective and if the Holidays are tough for you, remember that the Holiday season is temporary and will pass. Try not to take yourself and things too seriously. Just make sure you maintain healthy habits and avoid behaviors that will lead to health problems (such as gaining weight) beyond the holiday season.”
“Don’t worry about how things should be. Most people have less than perfect holiday gatherings — they have family tension, melancholy, and dry turkey too. If you have negative feelings, don’t try to deny them. Remember that there’s nothing wrong or shameful or unusual about feeling down during the holidays.
Can’t say no? Then keep your gatherings small and intimate. Get together with a few of your closest friends or relatives for the holidays. Choose to throw the big blowout parties at another time of the year, when you and your guests will have fewer commitments competing for your precious time.”
“The secret to a happy holiday is learning to collaborate and to create a plan that is uniquely yours with a goal to experience more serenity, more joy, and more opportunities to nurture the souls of those you love.
But, most important, it is to remember the greatest gift ever given, the gift of the Christ Child. Take time to simply sit and ponder this amazing miracle. “
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“Traditions should draw our attention to the underlying reason for the season.
Traditions should not detract from the season, they should elevate it.”
5 keys to manage holiday stress before it manages you
Set realistic expectations for yourself and others.
Anticipate stressful situations, places, and people.
Plan and prepare carefully, but stay flexible for the unexpected.
Keep your health maintenance routine- healthy eating, exercise, adequate sleep.
Remember what is most important about the season-family, friends, faith.
sharing the HEART of Christmas
Thanks to Pixabay for the Christmas photos used in this post.
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I am a family physician who loves to write about the HEART of HEALTH. On my blog, Watercress Words, I inform and inspire us in healthy living. My ideas come from my training, experiences, medical practice, personal life, and medicine in the media. There's always something new and interesting to explore in the world of health and medicine.
View all posts by Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.
8 thoughts on “How to anticipate and relieve holiday stress”
Thanks for the important reminders, Aletha. I’ve come a long way towards not worrying about how things “should be” and not over-extending myself trying to make things perfect. This year, I’m going to put in extra effort to keep good sleep and physical activity habits.
You’re welcome Christie. I think that’s one of the things we learn with time- perfection is an unreachable goal. It’s ok to strive for excellence, but not at the expense of joy.
Great tips here Aletha as stress can take the joy out of this wonderful time of year. I love the point about not worrying about how things ‘should be’. We can put so much pressure on because we want the ‘perfect’ day rather than just appreciating and enjoying being with family and friends. Thanks for the tips
Great reminders on how to take care of ourselves. As well, how taking care of ourselves can effect everyone around us.
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Thanks for the important reminders, Aletha. I’ve come a long way towards not worrying about how things “should be” and not over-extending myself trying to make things perfect. This year, I’m going to put in extra effort to keep good sleep and physical activity habits.
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You’re welcome Christie. I think that’s one of the things we learn with time- perfection is an unreachable goal. It’s ok to strive for excellence, but not at the expense of joy.
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Great tips here Aletha as stress can take the joy out of this wonderful time of year. I love the point about not worrying about how things ‘should be’. We can put so much pressure on because we want the ‘perfect’ day rather than just appreciating and enjoying being with family and friends. Thanks for the tips
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I appreciate the feedback Sue, yours is always helpful. You are so right, being with family and friends is what makes the day “special.”
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