Stress Management at the Holidays

We learn our biggest lessons from family and the Holidays mean family get-togethers. Remember, you are probably not the only one who has problems with the obnoxious relative. However, if someone says something that really upsets you (a put down, a rude remark) that is the time to practice what you have learned.

• Stay calm and do your best to be kind. Don’t just go off with a nasty reply, be the bigger person and remove yourself from the situation. The sharp reply will likely start an argument. Just excuse yourself and leave the room. Count to ten, take some deep, calming, relaxation breaths and come back when    you’re more in control. You can let it go and switch the conversation to another topic and practice your listening skills. It’s not worth the argument to give your valuable energy away. The person doesn’t deserve your goodness. We may forget what someone says but we will never forget how that person makes us feel.
• Don’t over indulge in alcoholic beverages. It can heighten your feeling of being stressed.
• Eat balanced meals. Keeping your intake of sweets down keeps your body happy. Too much sugar throws your body out of balance and makes it harder to stay healthy and keep your peaceful mindset.
• Taking good vitamin supplements helps your immune system to stay on high alert, keeping colds and flus away.
• Get plenty of sleep. Many people become cranky without the 7-8 hours of required sleep
• Maintain your exercise routine. Endorphins’ help keep our mood lifted up, problems at bay and chases the stress away.

Manage your time. Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare the things you want to get done. Allotting time allows you to stay calm and relaxed.