The holiday season can be stressful. But it's how we deal with this stress that matters.
The winter holidays are generally considered times of stress. Besides dealing with icy roads, aching joints, and car batteries that refuse to stir, we may feel as obligated as Santa Claus to ensure the best Christmas ever for our loved ones. However, even with the best intentions, we set ourselves up for failure and harm our health when our visions of a perfect Christmas stray from reality. The winter holidays don't have to be a stressful marathon that leaves us disappointed and exhausted. We can find ways to make holiday stress work for us.
Consider that stress in itself isn't necessarily harmful. It's how we deal with stress that causes the problem. As evidenced by the stress-induced fight or flight response, stress causes us to react. If all goes well, we're pleased with the outcome and so are our immune system's cells.
Our reaction to stress is an opportunity to be creative. Even if we don't have time to bake or shop or decorate and send cards, we can enjoy the season with minimal fuss. And given that the winter holidays are upon us every 365 days, we have at least a fair warning and time to plan. An article I wrote several years ago, Hope for the Holidays, describes the holiday anxiety faced by patients with Graves' disease and offers suggestions for coping. These tips apply to anyone with a chronic autoimmune condition.
Other tips I'll offer from my 58 years of wisdom:
1) We can't please them all. Even if we had all the money in the world, we wouldn't be able to find the perfect present for everyone on our list. I've seen the most genuine smiles of delight from stocking stuffers I've given and the most passive glances from presents I struggled to find. Tip: don't try too hard.
2) We don't need to accept every invitation we receive. If there's a function we truly want to attend, we should make the effort to go. But there's no point in wearing ourselves out because we feel obligated to show up somewhere.
3) Spend only what you can afford regardless if you're shopping for presents, a New Year's dress, or holiday meals. There's no contest or prize given for the person who racks up the most debt.
4) Make it a family affair. Spouses, children, parents, and friends are all willing to help us if we know how and when to ask. Today I commented on how I needed an elf or two and got the response I needed.
5) Take advantage of the electronic age. Shop online watching for email announcements of free shipping and other discounts. Who wouldn't want a Honey Baked Ham with the fixings arriving at their door? Take advantage of Gift Cards especially ones that give a discount when you buy the card and when it's used. Think Eastbay.com for the athletes on your list.
6) Limit shopping excursions. Only shop for 1-2 items. Enjoy the decorations and watch the crowds. Use the opportunity of an outing to have lunch out and don't forget to treat yourself. When you get home, take a lavender bubble bath and unwind with a dark chocolate fix.
7) Enjoy the season. Be grateful for the opportunity to spend time with your loved ones. Relax and don't fret over the mounds of crumbs and wrapping paper littering the floor. You can always clean next year.
