More people are reporting stress during this season than in previous years. Apparently reported stress has increased 28% since last year.
Multiple reasons are accounting for the increase, grief over losses in the family, definitely money concerns, rent increases, food cost increases, Covid, facing the flu season with the unknowns of a respiratory event, and family dynamics are somewhat stressed during the holidays. The holidays are a huge drain on your immune system, ie stress, so no wonder why everyone gets so sick in January.
We live in a material society, one that has put a great deal of pressure on people to out perform each other with gifts and keep up "with the Jones's". Look at Christmas light displays and the fortunes people spend on their displays, not to even mention the electrical bills.
I enjoy them as much as anyone else, but it just feels it is so competitive.
When you think about the true meaning of Christmas it feels like we have strayed so far.
Some tips for de-escalating Christmas.
1.) Examine your friends. How many do you need and are they true friends?
2.) Don't be afraid to say no to an event. If you are cooked and need a stay at home night, just be honest and tell the person inviting you. There is a good chance that they are "cooked" to.
3.) Make sure you are getting 7 hours sleep per night, absolutely necessary to face the next day wide awake.
4.) If you are shopping in the overly crowded stores, wear a mask. People have grown accustomed to seeing them. You don't want to get sick OR carry a virus to a family gathering where there are older people present.
5.) Lack of money? I take pause when I say that as people hopefully are not going into debt just to spend for the holidays. Could you be honest with your family and friends? Suggest a cookie exchange, meeting one on one for coffee, a movie night with the same people, popcorn, long talks or walks. Make it apparent that you just want time with them in lieu of presents.
6.) Suggest one gift in a group, Secret Santa exchange instead of one or more for everyone.
7.) Food and alcohol. It is never a good idea to put on 10 lbs, the average, from Thanksgiving til New Years. That is literally 35,000 extra calories pulsing through your heart, liver, etc. With the added stress, it is not a good combination. Lighten up on calories, maybe do an intermediate fast, go for a walk at night or visit a gym 5 days a week. The idea is to come out of these food fests with a healthy body.
I hope these tips help. Enjoy these beautiful holidays that we all treasure, but come out of them with a healthy body, spirit and not financially challenged.
Happy Holidays!