Holidays! Grrrrrrrr!!
Before you
read any further I must remind you to NOT kill the messenger. With that being
said, there are 42 days until the Christian holiday of Christmas (As when this was written) and 38 days
until the Pagan Sabbat of Yule! That’s right!! I can feel your stress already.
While I know
it’s easier said than done, try to keep the joy in the season. By the way, wouldn’t
it be wonderful to have that joyous, warmth to humanity feeling year round? No reason for it not to happen.
In an effort
to help de-stress, or at least minimize the holiday stress, I have accumulated
some ideas to help reach that goal. They are not in any particular order. Find
one or two or three that works for you.
That Perfect
Gift Stress: Trying to find that perfect gift? Ask the person what they want or
need. Shop early for a wider selection and stick to a budget.
Family Get-Together Stress: Ease the stress of family get-togethers by serving prepared foods. Schedule visits allotting time for recouping energy in between visits. This may mean simplifying and/or prioritizing traditions. Be reasonable and rational, not losing sight of the big holiday picture.
Holiday
Blues: It’s OK to feel sad and to express your feelings, ala melancholy. Do not
forget to take in some sunlight. The holiday season is also the time for
seasonal affective disorder, which carries symptoms, often misidentified as
normal holiday stress.
Holiday
Anxiety: Take a walk. The rhythm and repetition of walking has a tranquilizing
effect, decreasing anxiety and improving sleep, according to nutrition and
wellness expert Alan Kulze, M.D.
Over-All Stress:
Look to your hands. Apply firm pressure to the fleshy part of your hand between
the thumb and point finger for 30 seconds. This “Hoku” spot can reduce stress
and tension in the upper body. Try enjoying a spicy meal. Hot foods (and
orgasms) trigger the release of endorphins, the natural chemicals that trigger
feelings of euphoria and well-being, advises Dr. Kulze. Listen to some of your
favorite music, holiday or otherwise. Doing so can relax blood flow and calms
and aids heart functions, according to research form the University of
Maryland.
Holiday
Illness: Take time to laugh. Laughter helps your immune cells function better,
per psychologist Steve Wilson.
In summary,
do not try to over-do. Do not stretch yourself too thin. Do not push. Yes, the
holiday season is a specific time of year, but, there IS always
tomorrow. Besides, shouldn’t that holiday
season feeling last year-round?
RELAX and
ENJOY!!!
Blessed Be!
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