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"Bah
Humbug!" (Charles Dickens, "A Christmas Carol")
The
holidays can be a joy filled and wonderful time, but it cannot
be denied that they are also stressful, with parties and celebrations,
gifts to give, bills to pay, and crowds everywhere. Scrooge, a
character in Dickens' play was particularly affected by this malady.
The "bah humbugs" can affect even the most calm and
organized amongst us, resulting in anxiety and stress.
December
21st is Look on the Bright Side Day. This, the shortest day of
the year, has the fewest hours of daylight. This raises the risk
of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) due to reduced amounts of
light entering our eyes. This can be eased by exposure to specific
light frequencies to simulate sunlight. This should probably not
be undertaken without medical supervision. However, we can choose
to be optimistic, and believe you will join us in looking on the
bright side of life. This way we can reduce the impact of the
stress of the season.
One
of the biggest stressors at this time of the year is an over-filled
schedule. Add fatigue, financial concerns, unrealistic expectations
and family obligations, and the stage is set for some "festive"
melt-downs.
Tips
and tricks
- Identify
the specific causes of your holiday stress. Then do what you
can to address those issues. Let go of perfection. Set realistic
expectations for yourself.
- Make
a list. Write down your wish list of things you'd like to accomplish
and ruthlessly cut it down to things you must do.
- Talk
to a friend , which helps to relieve holiday stress and anxiety.
- Let
others help, including your children or grand-children.
- Get
in some exercise and eat a healthy diet
- Recharge.
Take time to go someplace quiet to recharge your batteries.
A quick, free idea: Go into an empty room in your house, hang
a "do not disturb" sign on the door, and do some stretches
while listening to some soothing music or a sounds of nature
CD. Or even pop in a Feldenkrais CD and reap the benefits.
- Talk
to your doctor about the potential benefits of Vitamin D supplements.
Merry
Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!
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