December
is Stress Relief Month
STRESS-LESS TIPS FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Provided by NSU's Office of Recreation & Wellness
This
time of year is particularly hectic, and along with all the hustle and
bustle of getting ready for the holiday season, comes tension and stress.
For this reason, December is nationally recognized as Stress Relief
Month, because there are several things we can do to minimize stress
so that we can enjoy the holidays and our families.
Make
a list of all the things you and your family like - and dislike
- about the holidays. Build
your own traditions around the highest-scoring "likes."
Take
care of your body.
Take care of
your spirit. Give yourself at least a couple of days to do what
you want to do.
Realize that
you are not solely responsible for making the holidays special for
everyone else.
Don't accept every invitation you receive, or you'll run yourself ragged. It's
OK to send your regrets.
If this is your
first holiday after ending a relationship, getting a divorce, or
the death of a loved one, remove yourself from reminders of the past. Give yourself
new memories by doing something you've never done before.
Give time and
friendship rather than presents. Share yourself with family, friends
and the community by volunteering at a homeless shelter, or driving
a housebound friend/neighbor around the neighborhood to see the holiday
decorations.
Keep your sense
of humor. If the soufflé looks like a pancake, it's not the end
of the world. Actually, you will probably laugh about it….next year.
Count your blessings.
Source: This information
has been adapted from Hope Health Letter, Vol. 20, No. 11, November
2000.
