When you think “holidays” does your stress level shoot through the roof? Yes, the “holidays” should be a time of relaxation and quality time spent with friends and family. But why does this time often feel ‘not so jolly’?
Many of us, in an effort to make the “perfect” holiday, might feel overwhelmed with the parties, shopping, cleaning, baking and entertaining, just to name a few. It seems like we already had enough items on our “to do” list and now we are adding even more? No wonder the holiday season brings increased levels of stress, depression and puts a damper on our sexual desire.
According to a recent on-line survey, when asked, “How Stressful is the Holiday Season For You? “, 42 % responded, “very stressful”, 38 % “somewhat stressful” and 18% “not feeling stressful at all”. Wow, 80% of Americans in this poll feel “somewhat” or “very stressed” during this festive season which begins with Thanksgiving and continues through the New Year.
Would you be interested in some practical tips that can minimize the stress and depression that accompany the holidays? And, also spark up some holiday heat?
1) Relationships.
We all would love to buy amazingly generous gifts for our friends and family, but financial restrictions won’t allow for it. The holidays put an added burden on our budget with the added gifts, travel, food and entertainment.3) Physical Demands.
All the shopping and parties can leave us exhausted and feeling wiped out. Usually your sleeping hours are compromised creating a vicious cycle with feeling exhausted and increasing your stress. Chores and errands may take a higher priority than exercise and sleep. To make matters even worse, by burning the candle at both ends, we make ourselves more susceptible to colds and flu infections.
But, believe it or not, you CAN make the holidays more jolly with less stress and more fun! By following the following “Five Tips to Prevent Holiday Stress”, we can enjoy this festive time, with our families and our partner.
1) Be realistic – You are NOT Wonderwoman!
Yes, we may want to think that we are Lynda Carter, but we are not. As women, we tend to multi-task and during the holidays, this talent can reach its peak. We juggle more and more things until we can’t take it anymore. Well, stop juggling! Take a few things off your “to do” list, start delegating tasks to your partner and your kids, and start saying “NO” to projects that you don’t want to do. And remember, not everything has to be perfect—Martha Stewart is not going to check up on you!
2)Speak your feelings.
Express your stress and let it out. Let your partner in and don’t shut him out. Share what you’re experiencing and allow yourself to be vulnerable. Many times just by voicing our fears, they can feel less threatening and overwhelming.
3) Don’t break the bank – stick to a budget.
Love your ideas Diana. As you’ll remember, I am a lesbian-actually have been with Susan for twenty years and we JUST got legally married in New York last weekend! I enjoy reading your book and this site. Have you considered using the word ‘partner’ in place of husband. I would imagine some of your followers are not ‘married’ but with a loved one, either male of female. Just a thought. Be well.
Lovingly,Colleen