Editor's Desk: How to Beat Holiday Stress
By Michael F. Flach
HERALD Editor
(From the issue of 12/02/04)
Thanksgiving dinner dishes were still being cleared off the table when
some of us started thinking about everything that needs to be done over the
next four weeks. The Christmas season can be a stressful time as we try to
meet all of our family and professional obligations. Its easy to overlook
the real religious significance of the season the birth of our Savior. You
may have developed some of your own creative methods for slowing down the
Christmas rush, but here are a few practical suggestions that might help
ease the stress.
Take time to smell the holly Each year we stress out during the
holiday season yet, when Jan. 2 rolls around we all wish we had slowed
down to spend more time enjoying ourselves, friends and family. This year,
when you get stressed, just take a few seconds to recall that feeling of
regret. This remembrance will help you to slow down and de-stress.
Laugh it off Take a cue from St. Nicholas and laugh. According to
Steve Wilson, physiologist and board member of the Association for Applied
and Therapeutic Humor, "when you look at all the research on laughter, it
strongly leads us to the conclusion that one of the main purposes of
laughter is the discharge of tension. If you laugh long enough and hard
enough you reverse the physiology of stress. And anything that can reduce
the ill-effects of stress is an ally in health and happiness."
Make a list and check it twice Sit down and make a list of each
person you want to buy a gift for. Then write down the amount of money you
want to allot to that person and list a few items you know they'll
like. Think about what would make them smile as they open your
gift. Funny, simple and inexpensive gifts that reflect someone's
personality can often go a long way.
Combine your shopping Examine the list you made in tip number three.
Look for ways you can combine your shopping. For example, if you've
decided to get Dasher and Dancer sweaters while you think Prancer and
Vixen would prefer toys, map out your shopping to save time. Remember to
wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Bring healthy snacks like sliced
veggies, fruit and protein bars to keep your energy level up. Having
snacks with you will help you avoid those hunger pangs that may tempt you
to fill up on fast food, which does nothing more than slow you down. If
you are shopping online allow ample time for shipping and delivery.
Potluck dinners can be fun Why not make this year's holiday meal a
potluck event? Ask your guests what they like to make at the holidays and
encourage them to bring that dish. You'd be surprised at the culinary
holiday traditions that emerge as each guest shares their stories about
what they prepared. If baking is not your thing, most grocery stores today
have a wonderful selection of holiday cookies, cakes and pies. Placed on a
holiday plate, your guests will think these dessert items came right out
of your own kitchen.
He sees you while you're sleeping Make sure you get plenty of sleep.
Eight hours every night and, if you need it, a 20 minute nap in the
afternoon can make a world of difference in your energy levels.
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