Holiday Stress Remedies

This is the year that I have finally accepted, despite my best-laid plans; things are going to go wrong. I will not have all my shopping done early. I will eat too much of the wrong thing. I will feel a bit melancholy or blue for no reason at all. You know what, that’s OK. It happens every year… but the difference is that this year, I am not going to beat myself up about! I am going to keep moving, move on and savor all of the imperfections of this holiday season.

Here is my 2009, Dr. Deb prescription for a healthier, happier less stressed holiday.

5 Holiday Stress Remedies

1.Make your List and check it twice.


Just as Santa makes his list, so should you. We are bombarded with jobs, shopping, parties that can be overwhelming. Take the time to make a list of whom you buy for as well as all of the activities that you would like to do. Put everything that you can think of on the list. Then spend the time to do 3 things

What are the things that I can eliminate? If you have always exchanged with friends, talk to them. Friendship is not defined by gifts so simplify. Decide to stop the exchange, make simple presents like holiday baking or donate that money to a needy family. Be tough with the list and shrink down the gifts as well as the events as much as possible.

Sometimes we must eliminate traditions as well and not everyone will like it. If your mother in law insists upon 5 family meals in 2 days tell her this year we are only going to go to 2. Saying No can be the greatest stress buster there is.

Next, What has to be done today? This week think about things that need to be shipped, so get those things done today. School may not be out until next week so don’t worry about the teachers gifts. Just do what needs to be done today. Check it off the list, so you can feel a sense of accomplishment.

Save the list so you can build on it next year and plan even better.

2. Limit it and Stick to It!

Limit what you are willing to spend. Let the kids know that everyone is cutting back, including Santa. Material things do not buy happiness. We want to fulfill our children’s holiday dreams but think about how many of those things will actually matter 1 month, 1 year even one week from now.

Then you must stick to it. You may have set your financial goals but when you hit the store and see all the deals, next thing you know you’ve spent more on stuff for yourself than you did on the present that you went to get. So stick to the spending plan and don’t be duped into impulse purchases.

3. Change your Expectations

Sometimes we are overcome with depression and loneliness at the holidays even if everything is great. There’s this overwhelming fairytale expectation that overshadows whatever we already have. Tell yourself and your family, I’m grateful for what I have in this moment and I will appreciate it. Even if it means the Christmas tree for the 3rd time or something more serious like spending a holiday without your mother, husband or child. Do not dwell on what you don’t have, but savor what is here in the moment. Count on creating new traditions every year.

If you think that you have a more severe problem that you can’t shake then click here for information and referrals or call 1-800-964-2000

4.Move it & Move on

EXERCISE! Find that time no matter how bad that you feel and I guarantee that you will feel better and be less likely to overindulge. Don’t give into to the “eating season” mentality and think I’ll start after the first. Healthy eating is not a switch that you turn on and off. Accept that you are likely to overindulge in fatty food and alcohol. Limit those as much as possible and when it happens instead of beating yourself up move on and move it.

5. Savor & Escape

Spend a few minutes everyday to savor what you do have. Escape from the chaos and enjoy some peaceful moments. It may be in front of the tree, driving around looking at the lights or even locking yourself in the bathroom just for a few minutes of quiet and reflections of gratitude everyday.

Luxuriate in a massage, hot bath, aromatherapy, or even better take a crisp walk and look at the lights. Don’t spend all the holiday time stressing about getting things done, instead enjoy the little fallible moments everyday.

May you have comfort, joy and PEACE in this holiday season

Dr. Deb