Less Stress During the Holidays

Alyssa Ruiz, DNDNCI Staff Meeting October 2010

• “When you find yourself stressed, ask yourself one question: ‘Will this matter 5 years from

now?’ If the answer is no, let it go!”– Catherine Pulsifier, Author, Words of Wisdom

Review of Stress Consequences

• Short term:– Decreased immune system– Fatigue– Memory loss– Mood swings

www.mentalhealth .net

Stress Consequences Cont

• Long term– High blood pressure– Elevated cholesterol/blood fats– Diabetes/high blood sugar– Increased BMI

www.mentalhealth.net

Holiday Stressors

• Money• Time • Visitors• Events• Weather• Family

“Stress is nothing more than a socially acceptable form of mental illness.”

- Richard Carlson, Author,Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

Relieving Holiday Stress

• Lower your expectations. What is really important? Your kids wont remember the “Martha Stewart” decorations; unless they help make them. Your family would rather have your time.

• Take care of yourself. You can’t give what you don’t have. Exercise, rest, eat healthy, etc.

How to Handle Holiday Stress, Karen Susman

Relieving Holiday Stress, cont.

• Ask for help. Involve kids, spouse, family and friends.

• Prioritize. If you only had half the time you really have, what would you do? This will help you decide what’s most important.

• Shop online or from catalogs. No lines! How to Handle Holiday Stress, Karen Susman

Stress is the trash of modern life - we all generate it but if you don't dispose of it

properly, it will pile up and overtake your life ~Danzae Price

Relieving Holiday Stress cont

• Take time to read holiday stories to your kids. This allows for quality family time and relaxation for all of you

• Start holiday traditions that are low maintenance.

Relieving Holiday Stress cont

• Do a mental makeover. What are the holidays about for you?

• Remember how you felt the day after each holiday last year. What did you think you never wanted to do again. What did your family enjoy the most.

• Limit TV- especially the news

There cannot be a stressful crisis this week. My schedule is already full

~ Henry Kissinger

Relieving Holiday Stress cont

• Write down all of your stressors. Can you get rid of any of them? Which ones cause the most stress and what can you do about that?

• Don’t do anything you will regret in January (too many bills, 10 extra lbs…)

Relieving Holiday Stress cont

• The holidays will pass and you will survive. You always do!

Is everything as urgent as your stress would imply? ~ Carrie Latet