“Stressed” spelled backward is “desserts.”
-Loreta Laroche, stress expert/humorist
IT’S DECEMBER, THE HOLIDAY SEASON. Also the holiday stress season. Every year at this time, experts espouse ways to handle the strains put on nerves, relationships, the body, and life in general.
But frankly, those stress-relievers are pretty much the same year-in, year-out. You know: make health a habit (eat your veggies, get lots of sleep, limit your alcohol intake, exercise—and stick with it), plan ahead (schedule time for shopping, baking, cooking, visiting friends, partying—and stick with it), and create a budget (allot money for gifts, treats, charities—and, yes, stick with it).
However, there are a few suggestions offered by health experts that at first blush seem odd but, upon reflection, are spot-on—and should be considered.
For instance:
Do less— Wait, what? It’s the holidays. It’s a time when all of us do more and more to meet the requirements— or demands—of the season. As Northwestern Medicine said, “The spirit of the season can sometimes lead even the most practical people to overcommit their time. When you’re looking at your calendar or to-do list, be fair to yourself. Decide what’s most important to you, and allow yourself to say ‘no’ to other demands on your time.” In essence, feel free to just say ‘no.’” Just say “no”— Yes, following up with the previous tip, sometimes for your own well-being it’s fine to decline. As the Mayo Clinic said, “Saying ‘yes’ when you should say ‘no’ can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. You don’t have to explain or make up excuses. You can simply say, ‘Sorry, that doesn’t work for me that day.’” Differences? Set them aside— Especially during this political season where families and friends may be divided, setting aside differences for the sake of enjoying each other in a season that’s meant to celebrate peace is wise. After all, even during World War I on Christmas Day, British and German troops who faced off on the front line put down their weapons and together sang and even played a bit of soccer.
Imperfection?Accept and move forward— Again, wait, what? Aren’t we supposed to strive for perfection over the holidays, a la a Hallmark TV movie? No. As Johns Hopkins University said, “We often set the bar impossibly high for ourselves and then feel upset when our celebrations don’t live up to expectations. Acknowledge that things may not go exactly as planned. It’s OK if it’s not perfect. Imperfection is healthy and normal.” Gee, imagine that.
Move!— This falls under the previous “make health a habit,” subset “exercise.” But Northwestern Medicine goes into greater detail, bringing in science and length, as in beyond the holidays. “Maintaining activity in the winter is an essential tool to combat Seasonal Affective Disorder and depression. Make it a point to get at least 20 minutes of moderate intensity exercise four to five times a week.”
Reach out, help others—“ Seeking out community, religious, or other social events can help you connect with others,” the Mayo Clinic said. “Many may also have websites, online support groups, social media sites, or virtual events. Helping others is often the best way to help ourselves. Consider volunteering your time or doing something to help others.” Isn’t that supposed to be the reason for the season?
Last but not least: Respond with kindness—“ You can’t change how others act during the stresses of the holiday season, but you can change how you respond to situations,” Johns Hopkins said. When you encounter a difficult person, remember that he or she might be stressed out as much or more than you. Also, remember that the holidays are especially hard for those who are alone. Extend an act of kindness to those you know who are alone or who have suffered a loss.
Remember what Charles M. Schultz—creator of Peanuts and that holiday classic “A Charlie Brown Christmas”—once said: “Christmas is doing a little extra for someone.”
Dennis Bova is a freelance writer and editor. ✲
