Less Stress for the Holidays

The start of the holiday season is upon us.  This should be a wonderful time to look forward to and yet many people experience this as one of the most stressful times of the year.  What makes it stressful? The crowds and expense of shopping, the traffic, spending time with people who get on your nerves – shall I go on?  I’m sure you could easily add to my list.

What can you do to make it less stressful?

Give thanks. The season starts with the Thanksgiving holiday.  Take some time to actually give thanks for all of the things that you are blessed with.  All of us kind find at least a few things to be thankful for.  Here is a list of things you can pick through to find something that applies to you:

A place to live

Food to eat

A job

Family

Friends

Good Health

Sight

Clothes to wear

A car or bus or train fare

The ability to walk

Now I know there may be some who don’t have all of these things but I believe that there are few who don’t have at least one.

Spend some time thinking about what the holidays are supposed to be about.

You may get the opportunity to see some people that you hardly ever see.  Even if you don’t always get along great take it for what it is worth and find something enjoyable about spending time with them.  Remember the holidays don’t last forever.  It will soon be over and we all get back to our regular lives starting off a new year.  Don’t make it bigger than it is.

Remember to breathe.  If you start to feel stressed find a place you can be alone for a few minutes and take a few slow deep breaths to take the edge off and then rejoin the group.

If you set your mind to enjoy the holidays you probably will.