'Tis the Season...To be Stressed!!

This time of year, there's always one more thing that needs to get done in a day that doesn't have enough hours to begin with.  Getting all that extra work done in the office, that Christmas party your spouse volunteered you to host, all the extra practices your kids have for sports, the mounting pile of laundry in the corner of the laundry room, sending out Christmas cards...should I go on?  But what about finding time to breathe and de-stress?  When does that fit in to your busy schedule?

Stress Can Be Both Mental and Physical
Physical stress can result from not enough sleep, too much to do, a poor diet, or effects from an illness.  Mental stress can result from worrying about money, a loved one's illness, or experiencing an extremely emotional event, such as being fired from your workplace.  

Quite a bit of our stress comes from less dramatic, everyday activities.  Obligations and pressures which are both physical and mental are not always obvious to us.  In response to these daily pressures, our body has automatic reactions including increased heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, metabolism, and blood flow to the muscles.  These reactions are intended to help your body react quickly and effectively to a high-pressure situation.

However, when you are constantly reacting to stressful situations without making adjustments to counter the effects, you will feel stress which can threaten your health and well-being.  It is essential to understand that external events, no matter how you perceive those events, may cause stress. Stress often accompanies the feeling of “being out of control.”

Coping with Stress During the Holidays
Before you end up hitting that panic button and going over the edge this holiday season, here are some ways to keep that stress in check a little better:

• Keep expectations for the holiday season manageable. Try to set smart, realistic goals for yourself. Pace yourself. Organize your time. Make a list and prioritize the important activities.
• Be realistic about what you can and cannot do. Don’t put the entire focus on just one day (i.e., Christmas Eve Day). Remember that it’s a season of holiday sentiment, and activities can be spread out to lessen stress and increase enjoyment.
• Remember the holiday season does not banish reasons for feeling sad or lonely; there is room for these feelings to be present, even if the person chooses not to express them.  Even if you choose not to express them, acknowledge they are there and you feel this way.  Don't push them down and ignore them.
• Get enough sleep!  I know this sounds like an impossible task, especially around the holiday season, but sleep is essential for your body to handle any negative stressors that come your way.  Plan your sleep schedule right into your day!
• Spend at least 5 minutes per day dedicated to "you time".  Sit in your favorite comfy chair, or maybe in your favorite spot in the house.  Close you eyes and focus on your breathing.  Maybe light a couple of candles or recite a favorite quote.
• Take a walk!  Walking can change body chemistry in a way that calms the nervous system and reduces stress levels. Aerobic exercise is especially good for producing endorphins in the body - which are natural soothing hormones released during sustained exercise.
•  Make yourself some chamomile tea.  Chamomile has been proven to have nerve-soothing properties, which help relieve anxiety and stress. 

We all experience a certain amount of stress during the holiday season, some more than others.  The better we are able to deal with stressors in our lives, the more we will be able to enjoy ourselves and the more others will enjoy us as well, especially around the Holidays.   Keep that positive attitude and you can get through it!!