Surviving the Holidays: Under Pressure

We know the feeling- hustling, bustling and breaking the bank to get the perfect gifts for family and friends. How am I going to top, or better yet afford, the gifts I bought last year? What am I going to get my aunt’s boyfriend’s son who for some reason or another got me great gifts the past two years? And when exactly did we start buying presents for each other’s dogs?

We are also familiar with the anxiety that comes with pressure to attend every single party you’re invited to. The holiday traffic, and overall mayhem that comes with this time of year doesn’t help much either. How exactly are we supposed to have a “holly, jolly” holiday with all of these things going on at once? Though it often seems like we are one of few Bah-Humbugging it through the season, an APA survey shows 22 percent of Americans actually report an extreme level of stress during the holidays.

Well, we’ve thought about it, and this year we’re taking a stand to beat the holiday blues! What follows is a list of tips to help you de-stress this season, and for the rest of the year.

1. Take time for yourself - in the midst of the holiday craziness, don’t be afraid to take a breather if you need to. Go take a seat and read, enjoy a cup of joe, or try meditation. Studies have shown that brief, mindfulness meditation (25 minutes, 3 days a week) can alleviate stress. Here are some tips and lessons on mindfulness meditation to ease some of that seasonal anxiety.

2. Stay active - one of the best ways to reduce stress is to get up and move! Research has shown that exercise stimulates neurochemicals in the brain that act as stress buffers. Exercise also releases endorphins that can give you that holiday cheer you might be lacking.

3. Set realistic expectations - Work to keep things simple rather than expecting holiday miracles. In regards to spending, traveling, hosting and visiting, plan ahead and only take on what you can handle. Share responsibilities with others and don’t waste every ounce of your money and energy on one day. Pace yourself by taking a little “me time” between responsibilities.

4. Volunteer - it’s hard to be down and out when you’re helping others. Volunteering, whether by yourself or with loved ones, is a great reminder of what the holidays are all about. Find volunteer opportunities specific to your own interests with Red Cross, Volunteer Match, or several other online resources.

5. Connect socially - after a big party or event, people are often left lonely and bored. It’s important to make plans and connect with others during these times. Research suggests that social interaction can be linked to overall health and can be as important as physical activity at times.

We'd like to hear some of your favorite ways to alleviate stress. Feel free to share in comments below!

Written by
Amanda Taylor
Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living

[image source: flickr/danperezfilms]