Ahhh, the holidays. Full of so many things we enjoy (and maybe a few that we could do without). But all in all, it’s a joyous time of year. So, why do often feel like we are on the verge of a panic attack for the entire month of December?
“During the holidays, people have such high expectations for things to be perfect,” says Jon Abramowitz, PhD, professor of psychology and director of the Anxiety and Stress Disorders Clinic at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Translation? We often take on way too much and then feel stressed and anxious when that fantasy doesn’t play out exactly how we imagined.
Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your holiday season while at the same time feeling calm, de-stressed and well … joyous. And, remember, when you give the gift of peace to yourself, you are able to give the gift of a giving, loving, non-stressed YOU to others. Merry Christmas!
Breathe deep. Fill those lungs with lots of good, fresh air. When we are stressed, we tend to breathe shallowly and end up with high levels of carbon dioxide in our blood. That contributes to fatigue, mental fog and decreased tissue function. Click here for a quick tutorial on better breathing practices.
Say no. Select a few of your most treasured holiday traditions and then make a plan to truly enjoy those things with those you love. And then … let the rest go. Really. It’s OK. Learning to limit the expectations placed on you is a skill that will serve you well throughout the year, not just during the holidays.
Get up close and personal. Kory Floyd, an associate professor at Arizona State University’s Hugh Downs School of Human Communication, says, “Being affectionate is good for you. Affection can be a simple, non-pharmaceutical, cheap way to reduce stress.” Why? Physical affection has been shown to increase your body’s levels of oxytocin and dopamine, hormones that reduce stress. So, hang up that mistletoe … and perhaps place two or three or four sprigs around the house!
Get enough sleep. We all know that that Grinch comes out when we are running on a lack of sleep. Staying up late to wrap presents, bake cookies or write Christmas cards is not worth the cost you’ll have to pay the next day. Get that shut eye and greet the next day rested and ready to tackle your to-do list.
Laugh. The holidays are so much fun. Don’t allow the stress to bog you down so much that you can’t even enjoy all the beautiful moments happening around you. Did you know your body changes physiologically when you laugh? We stretch muscles throughout our face and body; our pulse and blood pressure go up; and we breathe faster, which sends more oxygen to our tissues. One pioneer in laughter research, William Fry, claimed it took 10 minutes on a rowing machine for his heart rate to reach the level it would after just one minute of hearty laughter.
So, go out and build a snowman. Watch a great Christmas movie with popcorn. Play a board game with your kids. Go on a date with your sweetheart. Smile.