Arts, Culture & History​​​

Tips for managing holiday stress

In technical terms, we go through stress anytime we need to adapt to change. This is true perhaps the change is positive or otherwise not. The holiday season brings adjustments to our daily routines, our immediate hopes and expectations, and frequently the people we're also spending time with likewise. While these could be welcome changes, for a lot of they include complications and worries. 
These might add the financial demands of gift-giving, working with unstructured time, the break “blues,” loneliness, missing family members who are miles away or who may have passed away, a lot more important certain close relatives or friends, and much more. Here are some tips to assist you to reduce stress throughout this holiday season and afterwards.
  • Set realistic goals and expectations 
​Start by setting your expectations at realistic levels. Don’t expect what to go perfectly, regardless of the images shown in commercials and holiday programs. Instead, embrace reality and present yourself (as well as others) permission to become the imperfect humans we have been.   
  • Plan time-outs
If you will be with family or friends this christmas, always build with time for yourself. 
Take a walk, choose a run, do an errand, read, or visit another room and call someone you miss at the time. The holiday hubbub is stressful, and in some cases breathing deeply in a very quiet spot for a couple of minutes can help reduce the stress. 
  • Practice acceptance
Inevitably, there'll be things that don’t go as wished or planned.  When such a thing happens, try getting a few deep breaths and relaxing.  Notice, without judgment, what you're really thinking or feeling. Then return your focus on your breath. Repeat the process before you feel better.
  • Know and honor your boundaries
​There may be many demands on the time during break. It will be helpful to become clear with ourselves and with others about what you really are willing to do and what you're not. Beware of taking up more than that you are comfortable with, whether socializing, tending to others, cooking, shopping, etc.
  • Sleep 
Freed from the restrictions of one's usual schedule, you could be tempted to stay up later than usual. 
However, a great night’s sleep is amongst the things you need most to recoup and replenish at a stressful academic schedule, so make sure you get at least 7 - 8 hours of sleep per night. It’s also helpful, whenever you can, to arrive at bed and awaken at the same time every single day, because helps one's body regulate your sleep cycle for maximally restorative sleep.
  • Exercise
Regular exercise has been shown to decrease stress, besides providing other health improvements. Try to keep with your exercise routine, (when you have one), during break. If not, this would be a great time to start, beginning slowly with walking or yoga, and working on keeping an even practice. 
  • Eat healthfully
​Indulging in holiday foods is a very common pleasure, nevertheless, you will feel good if you keep these moderately, while being confident that to enjoy healthy food and snacks likewise. 
8. Stay hydrated! Drinking lots of fresh water daily is critical to great health.
  • Limit alcohol/caffeine
While people sometimes think alcohol assists them to relax, bear in mind alcohol is really a depressant and drinking may result in a rebound effect that spikes stress levels also as disrupts restorative sleep.  Similarly, consider swapping out water for coffee during the day.  While caffeine could give you the “buzz” you are feeling you need to get up and be put into the morning, in greater amounts it may increase stress, irritability, and restlessness. 
  • If you might be alone
If you anticipate being alone throughout the holidays, have the solid plans for your self ahead of time.  If you should prefer not to get alone, consider letting people know you are on your own own and provides them to be able to welcome you inside their homes for just a celebration.  You might find a faith community, your friends, or another groups you participate in.  Consider joining a meet-up group, doing local community events like volunteering with a local homeless shelter, delivering meals for the local Elder Services program, etc. As well, see this as a possible opportunity to look after yourself, experiencing some things you don’t typically take over from there of the year for instance taking the time to see a favorite novelist, attending a no cost or low-cost holiday event inside the Boston area, relaxing in a very hot bath, or some other pleasant activities.  The goal is to locate ways to relax, laugh, and unwind.

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