Dealing with Stress During the Holidays
Now that the holiday season is beginning, our stress levels have accelerated! Many individuals feel overwhelmed during the holiday season because of all the things that need to get done. With shopping, cleaning, cooking, entertaining, visiting, etc., it can be taxing on your immune system. Just at the time that you want to stay healthy, you can become ill because of your stress levels. That is why it is so important to be physically active and continue your exercise regimen, whatever that is for you, during the holiday season. Exercise helps reduce stress levels and is good for your body.
During these stressful times, you really have to do a lot of self-care. What exactly does that mean to you? Self-care can be as simple as taking several deep breaths to calm and ground you or meditation for 10 minutes when you are feeling overwhelmed or going to a spa for a massage. Some people enjoy a luxurious bubble bath to de-stress. Sometimes it is a good idea to put some sea salt in the water so your body gets rid of toxins. Also using a little lavender oil in the bath can have a relaxing effect. Another idea is sitting in an easy chair listening to relaxing music for a few minutes so you can unwind and de-stress. This could have a peaceful effect on you. Whatever it is for you, it is important to take time for yourself during the holiday season.
Shopping for holiday gifts is another big stressor! Many people shop on-line to get the best deals. That is a good method as long as you do that ahead of time so the package will get to where it is supposed to go before the holiday. Planning ahead of time makes a big difference. Make a list of the people you will give gifts to. Put a couple of ideas of the kind of gift you want to give to the individuals and stick to that list! Having an idea of the types of gifts you want to purchase makes it much less stressful as you get out there in the stores. Making a list is a good idea also because of the great satisfaction you have when you cross something off of it!!
As we enter this holiday season, remember all the things you have to be grateful for! Writing ten things you are grateful for each day will put you in a positive place. The idea of gratitude will allow you to view your life in a positive way. When you look at things in a positive way, they don’t seem to be so bad and your stress can be handled in a more positive way!
Stress will be there, but how you deal with it is on you!
By Marie Giammarco
Marie Giammarco is a mid generation Boomer who came of age in suburban New York, 50 miles north of the city. A child whose mom and grandparents were Italian immigrants, her close knit family defined her growing up years. The product of an environment that revolved around food, health, and physical activity, she saw many elderly people age before their time because they lacked these things. She has a passion to help Boomers and Seniors to be active and live a longer, more healthy life.