Let’s face it, not all holidays are filled with fun and excitement.
With so much to do, attend and plan, the holiday season causes many people
to feel overwhelmed, anxious and stressed starting as early as mid-November.
If the pending holiday season has you feeling a little overwhelmed, don’t
worry. Here are four ways you can lower your seasonal sorrows and get
back your holiday cheer:
Have a Holiday Budget – and stick to it.
Set a strict budget for holiday shopping (including presents, decorations,
food, and travel) and stick close to it.
Balance Treats with Healthy Choices
From leftover Halloween candy to lavish meals filled with pies, cookies
and decadent dishes whipped up for Thanksgiving and Christmas, it’s
tough to exercise self-control during the holidays. And the result can
leave you feeling overstuffed and out of shape. You can still enjoy those
holiday sweets, just make sure to balance it out by including fresh fruits,
veggies, lean proteins and healthy fats at every meal.
Turn off the Pressure
Don’t set unrealistic expectations. Research shows that when we place
unrealistic expectations on others (i.e. perfect presents, Instagram-worthy
holiday parties, meals and décor) we often end up feeling disappointed.
Instead, be present in the moment. Forget about stressing over ever small
detail and value the time you have with loved ones.
Remember the Reason for the Season
Hectic schedules and last-minute shopping can make the holidays more stressful
than they need to be. So instead of getting caught up in what gifts to
buy, spend some time thinking about how you can help someone in need.
For example, studies show you get just as much (if not more) out of volunteering
than you put in - including health benefits such as a boost in your mood,
happiness, satisfaction and regaining that holiday cheer.
If, however, the stress of the holidays becomes so overwhelming that it
begins to negatively affect your physical and emotional health, you should
take that seriously. Make an appointment with your healthcare provider
to talk through what you’re feeling. If you don’t have a medical
home, visit
www.catawbavalleyhealth.org and select “Find a Provider” on the main page.