Stress Relief During The Holidays Is Possible

Changing habits that cause us stress is as difficult as changing any truly imbedded habit. You know the change is important because it will bring you stress relief. Nonetheless, it might be even more difficult to make changes that trigger stress because they often involve tradition and lifestyle – “the who, how and why” of the way we live. nnSpeaking of tradition: In a perfect world, the holiday season is supposed to be perfect also. The story goes: nnLife is good, not much stress exists. We have some ups and downs. An occasional issue, but nothing too strenuous. nAs we grow up, things are supposed to get easier and issues short-lived. Our families should be providing a great source of safety through the relationships. Our careers are progressing well – we are making good money. Our health is solid, nutrition is easy, and sleep is deep and restful. We are happy, well organized and debt-free. nnSomewhere while you were growing up, you read a script called “this is what a perfect life looks like.” You have been striving to create or achieve it ever since. And if you admit it, most of the time you do achieve much of what makes life good. nnThen the holidays show up. We all seem to lose our sense of proportion and balance when we approach the challenge of holiday shopping and “not” overspending this year. nnYou decide – again – that this is the year you will “not” overspend and then dread the January bills. By avoiding these entrenched habits you’ll find stress relief. Plus the gifts, food and entertainment you purchase this year will all magically be reasonable and meaningful. nnPlease BELIEVE all this IS POSSIBLE. And the key word here is meaningful. If you can get hold of the very bright and reasonable person inside you, your holidays have the chance to provide you with a glimpse of that perfect season we are all looking to create and experience…again.nnSo what if your holiday is meaningful, bright with anticipation and reasonable? Do you realize that your stress level would easily become something that was not a problem? In fact, there would be excitement instead of anxiety. Anticipation instead of dread. It would feel like a deep breath instead of panting in tense reaction.nnStress relief during the holidays depends on many aspects. But most importantly, you need to know what your stressors are. nnOne of the simplest ways of finding out what causes you stress is to think about it and avoid it. In other words, when you notice stress take a few moments and evaluate what got you to the stressful feeling. It can be as simple as that. nnIf malls make you overspend then shop online. If fixing fancy meals cause heartburn then choose simple meals. If candy increases your aggravation then don’t have it in the house. If someone annoys you then do your best not to talk with them. nnTake steps to make this your holiday. Treat yourself well. Find out what you love and do it. As Nike says, “just do it.” Stress relief will come hand-in-hand with this new lifestyle.nn