11/19/2011

Stopping Holiday Stress


You’re already thinking about the menu you might possibly serve, the groceries you’ll need to buy, decorating to do, parties to attend, gifts to purchase and wrap, keeping expenses practical, fighting lack of sleep, contending with relatives to keep the peace  … HOLY MOLY … the madness is near approaching!

The holiday season affects each and every one of us in varying degrees.  For some it’s a natural high that carries them well past New Year’s.  For others it’s an aggravating nuisance that slightly pounds at our temples or behind the eyes.  Then there are those, who become either debilitated or extremely overwhelmed as the holiday draws nearer.

Because we’re human, stress is mostly self-induced and can be either eliminated or controlled with a few simple changes in our lifestyles.  How do you cope during the holidays?  Here are some steps on how to reduce stress.

Taking On Way Too Much ~ We’re all culprits of this one … taking on too much in too little time.  Ladies, ya gotta pace yourselves and prioritize.  Schedule “me” time for relaxation and enough sleep to keep stress under control.  If you’re run down, you won’t be of use to anyone let alone yourself.

Watch Your Alcohol Intake ~ The first sign of being dehydrated is a headache.  Alcohol is a diuretic and drinking on an empty stomach, mixing different blends and having way to much can also be toxic.  So, stick to one kind, control your quantity and drink water while your drink to stay hydrated.

Gifting ~ This can cause tension headaches on multiple levels:  buying more than somebody needs, spending over budget, carrying heavy packages, sitting in a bad position while wrapping will cause the muscles that go into the skull to tighten and squeeze your head.  Avoid it all by reversing the action.  

Holiday Eating ~ Certain foods can trigger migraines like salami or foods you generally find on a deli platter including cheeses (blue, cheddar, parmesan and swiss).  Nuts & red wine are villains; however, you can always drink white.  

Flying During The Holidays ~ Contending with time zone changes and security check points is enough to give any one a headache.  Believe it or not, most of us just don’t drink enough water and traveling only compounds the dehydration.  Once you’re past the check point, purchase a bottle of water for your trip because the rule of thumb still applies, your body requires 8 glasses a day.

Pacing yourself, not over-doing, and remembering the true meaning behind Christmas are the surest preventive measures I could ever offer.  Don’t do what you think is expected, do what you feel and know is right for you. 

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