We’ve all seen the movies of the picture perfect
holiday dinner. If only this were reality! Unfortunately, many of us have
family issues that can make holiday parties a stressful event forcing us to go
back to some of our old unwanted behaviours or fill the day with horrible
emotions.
To help make the holiday a happier time of
year try to compose a list with your family of all of the things that have to
be done to have a happy and stress free day. Include things that have to be
done, what would be nice and what you can live without. Once you’ve created
this list, try delegating tasks amongst family members. Some people like to
cook, others clean, kids usually love wrapping presents and decorating. Spread
the weight of the seasons work to all family members.
If family members don’t get along, remember
that you are not responsible for everyone’s happiness. Try to encourage team
work to make the day as pleasurable as possible.
Dear Members,
During the holiday season, stress levels can reach peak levels leading to many reactions within our body, including increased anxiety and fatigue. Your body’s physical and emotional reactions to stress are determined by your sympathetic nervous system (SNS). The SNS produces the fight or flight reaction in response to stress leading to an increased heart rate, muscle tension, increased blood flow and respiration. If you are constantly being exposed to stressful situations (ie. the holiday season) this may cause your SNS to overreact and be constantly stimulated. This constant stimulation can lead to depleted energy reserves and emotional and physical exhaustion. It’s important that during times of high stress we learn how to manage out stress levels.
furgettit,
