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We can't eliminate stress from our lives and certainly the holiday season brings
its own brand, even though the holidays are supposed to be joyous. Stress can
negatively affect every aspect of our daily lives including our sleep, our
moods, our ability to concentrate, and it can even make us more
susceptible to catching a cold. Sometimes we may not even realize how stressed
we are! So, do any of these common holiday stressors sound familiar?
Are we
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Spending more money than we should?
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Not having enough time to do it all (shopping, and working?)?
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Trying to making time for everyone and/or pleasing everyone?
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Overeating at parties and gaining weight?
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Not exercising enough?
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Traveling (even packing and traveling can be stressful especially during
holiday season!)
Okay, let's pick a couple of stress busters to practice, and it may
help us during the holiday season and beyond!
How many of these "Healthy Stress Busters" can we practice
during the holiday season and beyond? Let's
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Remind ourselves that there is no such thing as perfection (or at least to live
and talk about!).
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Remind ourselves that we cannot please everyone all of the time.
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Continue to engage in a regular exercise program even if a shortened one
(remember, they can't all be gems!).
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Find humor in difficult situations.
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Take time-outs ( do we find our heart rate increasing and we're not exercising?
Let's take a 5 minute break. We can go to the rest room, take some deep
breaths, get outside and take a walk).
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Let go of control (having control all of the time can be a stressful thing)?
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Do something everyday that feels pleasurable and is totally selfish
(remember "Feeding Our Soul" tip?) .Get a massage, take a bath, listen to
music, try deep breathing, try a yoga class(this can even serve as a holiday
gift instead of celebrating with food).
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Call a friend and vent.
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Ask ourselves, Is this worth getting upset over or what is the worst thing that
will happen?
Lastly, when we practice "The Tools" including eating often with our
regular meals and snacks (including healthy foods as often as
possible), get our sleep, drink enough water, and EXERCISE (of course I would
suggest exercise!), we will arm ourselves with the necessary
ammunition to handle our holiday stress. After all, coping with stress in
a good way should make us feel better, right?
Here's to a Healthy, Happy, Holiday Season!
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As founder and director of The Nutrition at E.K.C. in New York City, June provides counseling in several specialized areas including Health & Fitness Assessments, weight loss, and sports nutrition for the active.
June's background includes her educational and practical experience which spans Exercise Science, Nutrition, and Behavioral Science. She is certified as a Lifestyle Counselor by the A
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