My 5-year-old daughter jumped on Santa’s lap on Sunday and told him, “I want a pink DS?” The good news is I have on top authority that there will be a pink DS under the Christmas tree. The bad news is that I also know it will have her 7 year old sister’s name on it and not hers.  I kept wondering about all of the Bratz things that she wanted two weeks ago and were already wrapped!

The thing about the holidays is, that no matter how hard you try, it won’t be the perfect white Christmas that only exists in Hallmark movies. Kids change their minds, in-laws are annoying and walking through the Festival of Lights with your husband is not nearly as romantic as you thought it would be when you were lonely and didn’t have a boyfriend.

The result is that we all have unrealistic expectations which results in a certain amount of holiday stress.

What is stress?
It is an actual physical response of your body to outside factors.
The root is the Flight or Fight response when your body releases Cortisol and Epinephrine. That makes your heart beat fast and your blood pressure increase that we needed when we had to fight off enemies like mountain lions. Today, our enemies might be too many bills or crowded malls but the physical response is the same.

It causes increase High Blood Pressure. Lead to Ulcers, Strokes, Headaches, Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Insomnia, Indigestion, Loss of Energy, Addictions (alcohol, drugs, food)
Sweet. Now that sounds healthy.

How do the holidays make it worse?

Finances and job are leading causes of stress and almost every one is feeling that in some way or the other now. Many people tend to go into debt over the holidays which makes the stress level that much higher.

Expectations are too high.  We want a perfect Hallmark Christmas with lots of presents and everyone getting along.

Depression and Loneliness may increase at the holidays if loved ones have been lost or if you don’t have that ”perfect vision” (no significant other or don’t like the one you’ve got)

Too much alcohol and food! (That is for sure)

Not enough sleep

What can we do?

Change your expectations. There is no perfect holiday and it certainly cannot be bought.
Be present in the moment instead of caught up in buying presents.

Same relatives that annoyed you at Easter will be there at Christmas so don‘t expect anything different. Focus on the people and things you do enjoy.

If you have lost someone or don’t have a significant other think of new traditions and focus on what you do have to be grateful for.

Say No if it works for you and your family

Sleep: Same time, same place.  Try to get some despite all of the parties.

ALCOHOL IS A DEPRESSANT BUT IT ROBS YOU OF RESTFUL SLEEP!

Keep caffeine to less than 2 cups and stop all caffeine after 2 pm.

Good Nutrition: High fat and rich food contribute to indigestion, which also robs you of sleep. Focus on whole grains, Fruits/veggies trays at a party as much as you can. Don’t go crazy and say I’ll start after the holidays. Think moderation.

Exercise  #1 STRESS BUSTER

Those who think that they not have time for bodily exercise will sooner or later have to make time for illness.  Edward Stanley 15th earl of Derby

Breath: When you are stuck in traffic and people are acting like idiots take a moment to breathe. Fill your lungs with air and it will slow your heart down.

Luxuriate: massage, hot bath, aromatherapy, Light a pine scented candle, drive or even better walk and look at the lights.

In these hard economic times it is even more important to savor the small moments and forget about the purchases. Adopt a family and give to others. It will be the best present that you can give to yourself and your family.

Happy Holidays!

Dr. Deb