Hello,
It's the end of the year. We want to send you and your family warm wishes during the holiday season.
At this time of the year, we often find ourselves busier than ever. Christmas shopping to do, work to complete, parties and gatherings to attend... the "To-Do" list can get long and overwhelming. If you find yourself anxious and stressed, you are not alone. According to The American Institute of Stress, nearly 69% of people are stressed by the feeling of having a “lack of time” and perceiving a “lack of money”. Over 50% are stressed about the “pressure to give or get gifts". Physical manifestations of holiday stress may include headaches, insomnia, exhaustion, digestive, and respiratory issues.
Below are some tips to help manage holiday-related stress:
- Create realistic goals (personal and work)
- Set clear expectations and boundaries with friends, families, and coworkers
- Discuss holiday plans with family members
- Limit the number of holiday and social gatherings
- Eat and sleep well; exercise daily
Instead of buying gifts, make something and drop it off/bring it to work. Playing Christmas carol trivia with friends and family can be lots of fun. A handwritten holiday card can feel more personable. Taking a walk in the woods and filling your lungs with the fresh scent of evergreen trees can be incredibly grounding. Watching a heartwarming holiday classic movie can bring joy.
Hearing Jingle Bells on the radio always brightens my spirit.
Dashing through the snow
On a one-horse open sleigh,
Over the fields we go,
Laughing all the way;
Bells on bob-tail ring,
Making spirits bright,
What fun it is to ride and sing
A sleighing song tonight.
Peace, love, joy, magic, and hope! Have yourself the best holiday season!
Mei
