This week is the beginning of the major holiday crunch time so here is the “OK it’s really getting down to the wire and there is no way that I am going to pull this off” Holiday Stress busters.

Dr. Deb’s Holiday Stress Remedies

 

1.Make your List and Rip off the Top.


Just as Santa makes his list, so should you. Put everything that you think that you should do in the next 5 days and aim for a third. It is all not going to get done so try for the most important

Be tough with the list and shrink down the gifts as well as the events as much as possible. Use store bought substitutes for homemade, at this point whatever makes life easier.

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 gift you can give yourself.

Next, What has to be done today? Schools out tomorrow so get those teachers gift cards today. Just do what needs to be done today. Check it off the list, so you can feel a sense of accomplishment.

 

2. 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.

This past weekend my in-laws were in town and we had so many mishaps from overfrying a frozen turkey, getting in a fight with customer service at Target for not making an even exchange without a receipt and even the police came when the house alarm went off. Sure, I was angry but we had to change the focus to being together, not a Norman Rockwell idea in my head.

For others, this may be more serious, like spending a holiday without your mother, husband or child. You can’t get back the holiday in your dreams so you must change your expectations. Do not dwell on what you don’t have, but savor what is here in the moment. Create new traditions that may focus giving to others or even on “Me Time”, instead of everyone else time or what was.

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.  If someone you know talks about suicide take them seriously and for immediate help at a physician or hospital. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has resources for those depressed and family members.

 

3. Move it & Move on

EXERCISE! Find that time no matter how bad that you feel and I guarantee that you will feel better, be more productive and be less likely to overindulge. I didn’t think that I could get out of bed this morning after my crazy weekend but after an hour of Pilates I was completely renewed. 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 keep movin it.

4. 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. 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