Trying to step back and smell the poinsettias during the holiday season seems impossible. Most people are too stressed out about purchasing gifts and holiday planning to enjoy the true spirit of the season.
The holiday season should be a fun time filled with family gatherings, gift giving, and merriment. However, in reality, only children are able to appreciate this holiday spirit in its entirety.
Along with school and extra-curricular activities, teens have the added responsibilty of buying gifts for family and friends. During the holiday season, stress should not be expected. To fully enjoy the breadth of the holiday season and not become worried over holiday presents, here are some tips.
According to John Santa, M.D. and director of the Consumer Reports Health Ratings Center, it’s important to not “shop until you drop.” Focus on those people that are most important to you, and make a list of what you absolutely want to buy for those special people in your life. Don’t overextend yourself by agreeing to help out with additional party planning, invites, and gift buying.
Don’t change any normal routines that were already had in place before the holiday season. Adding in more physical activity can help people “feel better, burn some calories and probably sleep better, too,” according to Dr. Santa. Sleep is a huge part of managing stress, and any steps that can be taken to maximize the amount of sleep each night should be taken.
Although the holidays are a time to show appreciation for the people in your life, be sure to take time for yourself. Constantly interacting with people and rushing from shopping to holiday parties can wear anyone down.
According to Healthkey.com, it is important to “enjoy me time. Every single day should have at least 30-minutes for you to just relax.” Take time to be alone and watch a favorite holiday movie to get yourself thinking about the true spirit of the holidays, not the stress that often accompanies it.
Above all else, set realistic expectations for the holidays. Claire Wheeler, the author of “Ten Simple Solutions to Stress,” says that “we set ourselves up for disappointment by expecting everything to be perfect.” If you don’t get the exact gift that your family and friends wanted, it’s all right. The action of giving them something will still show how much you care. Then, you can truly relax and take a step back and smell the poinsettias in the air.
Stephanie Meadowcroft is a Lifestyles Editor for the Patriot and jcpatriot.com.