Ahhh, the holidays. Full of so many things we enjoy. So, why do we often feel like we are on the verge of a panic attack for the entire month of December?
“During the holidays, people have such high expectations for things to be perfect,” says Jon Abramowitz, PhD, professor of psychology and director of the Anxiety and Stress Disorders Clinic at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Translation? We often take on way too much and then feel stressed and anxious when that fantasy doesn’t play out exactly how we imagined. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your holiday season with less stress:
Say no. Select a few of your most treasured holiday traditions and then make a plan to truly enjoy those things with those you love. And then … let the rest go. Really. It’s OK. Learning to limit the expectations placed on you is a skill that will serve you well throughout the year, not just during the holidays.
Get up close and personal. Kory Floyd, an associate professor at Arizona State University’s Hugh Downs School of Human Communication, says, “Being affectionate is good for you. Affection can be a simple, non-pharmaceutical, cheap way to reduce stress.” Why? Physical affection has been shown to increase your body’s levels of oxytocin and dopamine, hormones that reduce stress. So, hang up that mistletoe … perhaps you’ll want to place three or four sprigs around the house!
Get enough sleep. We all know that the Grinch comes out when we are running on a lack of sleep. Staying up late to wrap presents, bake cookies or write Christmas cards is not worth the cost you’ll have to pay the next day. Get that shut eye and greet the next day rested and ready to tackle your to-do list.
Laugh. Don’t allow the stress to bog you down so much that you can’t enjoy all the great moments happening around you. Did you know your body changes physiologically when you laugh? Luckily, there are some pretty funny holiday movies to enjoy, such as Christmas Story, Elf and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Don’t have those at home? Request them from your local library.
Take a trip. Some years, a break from the cold and hustle and bustle can make all the difference. Did you know that Costa Rica is a popular holiday vacation destination during the holidays?