Team Assisted Care: Christmas Stress Tips!

Ann Pencil

Director of Resident Services

I have been using this list for years to help minimize stress during the holiday season and to remember the real reason for the season

Simple holiday stress management tips:

*Stick to a budget- Before you go gift and food shopping decide how much money you can afford to spend and stick to it. Try these alternatives: Donate to a charity in someone’s name or make your famous baked goods and present them in a tin with the recipe included.

*Be realistic- The holidays don’t have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold onto, and be open to creating new ones.

*Plan ahead- Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends and other activities. Plan your menu then make your shopping list and this will prevent last minute scrambling to purchase forgotten items. Ask for help when needed, after all many hands make for light work.

*Learn to say no- Saying yes when you should have said no may leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can’t participate in every project or activity.

*Don’t abandon healthy habits- Don’t let the holiday become a free-for-all. Overindulgence only adds to your stress and guilt. Have a healthy snack before a holiday party so you don’t go overboard on sweets.

*Take a breather- Make some time for you. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do.

*Set aside differences- Try to accept family members and friends as they are. Chances are they are feeling the effects of holiday stress also.

*Reach out- If you feel lonely or isolated, seek community, religious or other social events. They can offer support and companionship. Volunteering your time to help others will lift your spirits and broaden your friendships.

*The best way to beat holiday stress is to cultivate your sense of humor. You may not find every event amusing—say, your cat leaping onto the Christmas tree, sending it crashing down to the floor, but laughter can be found anywhere and it does a heart good.