Holiday Stress

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The holidays take a toll on stress levels. Shopping, hosting and/or attending family gatherings and office parties, trying to wrap up work and other projects so you won't be overwhelmed when the holidays are over, kids are home from school...when you're busier than usual, stress can take over. Unfortunately, stress affects more than your attitude. It affects everything in your body, and can raise everything from your blood pressure to your pain level. CryoDerm can relieve those body aches and pains, but it's up to you to lower your stress level. Here are some helpful tips for minimizing holiday stress:

1. Make a list. Prioritize the things you need to do. If you get your most-dreaded but necessary tasks out of the way first, you'll be under less pressure and stress less about doing the rest.
2. Schedule "Me time". Whether it's taking a long hot bath, getting a massage, taking an evening drive to see the Christmas lights, watching holiday movies on television, or just quietly meditating, take time to do things for yourself and your own mental health. 
3. Realize WHAT stresses you out, and then consider what you can do about it. We all have our own stressors. If you're stressed about too many demands on your time, just learn to say "no"! There is absolutely nothing wrong with saying "I just can't squeeze in another thing right now," when asked to do something. If you're stressed about money, that's plenty enough reason not to go in debt buying gifts. You can make homemade treats if you like to cook, or find brand-new items in a thrift store or charity shop that make perfectly nice gifts. If you're overwhelmed thinking about the major house-cleaning you need to do before the relatives come over, just stop it! Do the basics and let the rest go. The housekeeping police is not coming. People are coming to see you, not the house. 
4. Don't sweat the small stuff. Put your--and others'--stress in perspective. If this is your first holiday since the passing of a loved one, allow yourself to grieve. If your spouse is deployed in the military, people will understand if you're not in the mood for being jolly. At the same time, know that your loved one would want you to be happy. If you or a family member is facing serious illness, or you just lost your job, that's not small stuff. A good rule is, if it's something that's going to affect your life a year from now, then go ahead and indulge in sorrow, anger, self-pity, or whatever. If it's not going to make a difference a year from now, like the fact that you burned the potatoes or you didn't get the holiday decorations up this year, just take a deep breath and let it go. 
5. Exercise. There are plenty of alternatives if you're not the gym-going type. A brisk stroll around the neighborhood, even if it's 15 minutes, is good for you physically and mentally. There are thousands of exercise videos on YouTube for everything from aerobics to yoga, and you can do those in your own living room. 
6. Enjoy the food and drink excesses of the season in moderation. Go right ahead and eat, drink, and be merry. You can plan your indulgences so you don't have to feel deprived. For instance, if you're attending a party tonight, eat a healthy breakfast and a healthy lunch. Having a healthy snack before you go can keep you from overeating once you're there. 
7. Give where you can. If you are financially able, give to toy drives, adopt a needy child from an angel tree, or make blessing bags for the homeless. If you have more time than money, volunteer. Visit a nursing home and pass out Christmas cards--many people have no company at all, and they'll be glad to see you. Doing good does a body good.
8. Keep calm and apply CryoDerm. It works!

We wish you a very merry holiday season, whatever you celebrate. May your stressors be few and your blessings be many. 

Posted In: Stress Management Pain Management