Create Less Stress through the Holidays

From Dawn Fleming, NFLL member, Life Coach and Holistic Health Practitioner

The holidays can be fun but they can create a lot of stress.  Too much stress creates anxiety, depression, health flare ups, and runs our immune system down leaving us susceptible to any cold or flu bugs.

Stress comes from doing too much or doing things that we really don't want to be doing. Sometimes the extra strain on our body comes from eating the wrong foods or too much food, or drinking more alcohol than we normally would. Stress can also come from loneliness or sadness from missing those who have passed.

In order to create less stress and improve our health and well-being during this busy time of year, create a plan of action now that will help you to deter stress and keep you going through the holidays without missing a beat. Make you and your needs a priority before the holidays begin.  Decide what activities and things really bring you joy. Here are some things to consider as you put together your plan:

Take some extra vitamin C. Vitamin C boosts your immune system and helps to fight off colds and flus. It also helps your body deal with stress.

Look at all the places and events that you are expected to attend. Decide which ones you really want to go to. Only go to those. Politely say no to the others. You are allowed to say "no." No with no explanation. No or no thank you are complete sentences.

Eat and drink less. It tastes so good but its lingering effects make you miserable later.

If you are feeling sad from missing a loved one, decorate an area of your home dedicated to that person. Choose things that represent the joy that the loved one brought. Let this memorial be a celebration of your lives together.

If you are lonely, go volunteer. There are so many places that need volunteers, especially during the holidays. If volunteering is not your thing, reach out to others who may be spending the holidays alone. Make it a low stress get together.

When you feel stressed, shift your mind into gratitude. What are you grateful for? When I engage in gratitude my mood always shifts in a positive direction. Gratitude thinking lowers stress and increases joy.

Get a massage, sit in the tub, take a walk, get out in nature, meditate or veg out in front of the television. Do the things that help you maintain your joy and energy. You will breeze through the holidays feeling better than ever and ready for a new year!

Cindy Schrantz
President
New Frontiers for Lifelong Learning