Christmas Stress

CHRISTMAS is the season to be jolly. But it is also the season of gifts, rush, parties, and expenses. Even being “home for the holidays” can lower your defenses to stress. You sleep less, spend more, eat unhealthy foods, and drink more with relatives and friends. Christmas and all its angles of dizzying demands and errands can be a season of stress. And for that matter – Christmas stress.

If Christmas had caused an emotional toll on you in the past, here are some tips to regroup yourself for you to be able to emotionally control the holidays.

1. Acknowledge your feelings. If you feel sad or in other words you are experiencing the so-called “Holiday blues,” don’t force yourself to be happy. Recognize your feelings. Cry if you want to. Crying can be therapeutic.

2. Reach out. Do some volunteer duties in your favorite organization or in your parish church. Renew your association with former classmates, friends, and family. Donate to a charity. After all Christmas is a season of giving.

3. Be realistic and practical. In these days of travel, going to places with your family can be expensive. Instead of actual visits, you can try emails, postcards, Christmas cards, and exchange of pictures.

4. Set aside differences. Grievances and misunderstandings in the family can add up to stress to this happy season. Learn to say “sorry.” Accept your mistakes and make amends if you need to. Some family members can be “toxic.” Accept them as they are.

5. Stick to a budget. Your shopping list and gift-giving should be adjusted accordingly to what your coffers dictate. Don’t overspend.

6. Plan ahead. Avoid the rush.

7. Learn to say no. Parties can overlap and schedules this Christmas can be punishing. Love yourself. Learn to gracefully decline for you to have some time for yourself.

8. Don’t abandon healthy habits. The lechon, cakes, and other holiday foods are tempting this season. Have some discipline by having just “small portions” of these glorious foods.

9. Relax and take a breather. Get a massage. Enjoy the shower. Listen to music.

10. See your doctor if you need to. If you really feel bad, seek professional help.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR.