During the holiday season, we can allow many situations and
circumstances to create extra stress in our lives. During the next few weeks, I
will share some ways to reduce the stress of the season. First, a list of things to do:
. Soothe with food: Eat several mini-meals between meals of natural
carbohydrates. They elevate mood-regulating brain chemical, serotonin, which
exerts a calming effect on the entire body.
. Ask three questions: Is this important?
Is my reaction appropriate? Is this situation changeable? Take action to change
it.
. Exercise:
Physical activity reduces anxiety and depression. Aerobic exercise is best but
choose and exercise that you enjoy.
. Check your perspective: Do only the tasks that would have serious consequences if
left undone. Will you die if you don’t do the laundry?
. Skip some routine chores: Take at least a half hour daily to do something you enjoy
to recharge yourself.
. Take a mini-breather: Belly breathe throughout the day periodically. It keeps oxygen
going to your brain and slows you down in anxious moments.
. Look at the light side: A good laugh relaxes muscles, lowers blood pressure and
suppresses stress-related hormones.
. Reduce caffeine: Caffeine is a stimulant
that runs up the nervous system and makes you more susceptible to stress. A
good replacement is green tea.
. Take a time out: An overloaded schedule causes anxiety. Schedule a half hour of
nothing in a workday. If emergencies or calls come in, you have extra time.
. Say a little prayer: Prayer
reduces stress hormones and balances emotions. It gives you inner calm and can
help “heal thyself.”
. Make a list of likes and dislikes: List as a family what parts of the holiday each likes and
dislikes. Eliminate as many dislikes as possible.
. Shop year round: Buy gifts throughout
the year rather than wait until the last minute. Start baking and cooking
earlier for those items that will stay fresh.
. Next week: The list continues.