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How can I cope with all this holiday stress?
The holiday season is filled with festivities and fun, but for many people the holidays can also be a stressful time. There are many reasons why you may feel stressed over the holidays, but the important thing is how you deal with your feelings. Don’t let stress force you to abandon your goal to achieve a healthier lifestyle. As with everything else, it will pass.
In the meantime, here’s what you can do. The first thing is to try to prevent unneeded worries. Keep your holiday expectations reasonable and manageable. Set realistic goals for yourself and don’t put too much on your plate (no pun intended!). This can apply to both your personal life and dieting.
If hosting a family dinner is too much stress, make it a potluck! Family and friends can bring their own personal dishes. This way, everyone can share in the preparations and your stress stays at a minimum. Also, do not commit to too many holiday events. Only go to the ones you really want to attend, where you know you will enjoy yourself.
The most important thing is to plan things out and don’t leave everything for the last minute! We are all guilty of this at some point or another, but drafting a to-do list and actually following through can save time (no long lines when shopping early!) and stress.
You will also want to keep your weight-related goals manageable. Many people set a goal of maintaining their weight over the holidays, while others are comfortable losing weight. Both are okay; everyone is different. Do what works for you and will ensure your long-term success.
If you do find yourself in a stressful situation where you feel like going back to your old habits, try some of the following:
1. Take a deep breath (or many!): This is mentioned often, but it works! Once you take a moment to yourself, you realize you do not have to break down and the situation is not as bad as it seems.
2. Acknowledge what you are feeling: You will notice when you feel stressed, but make an effort to be self-aware. Why are you feeling this way? Is there anything you can do to improve the situation? Analyze the problem and arrive at a solution.
3. Talk it out: While some relatives will drive you absolutely crazy, remember that talking things out with someone you trust can help. Do not bottle up your emotions. Speaking to someone about them can give you perspective on a situation.
4. Distract yourself: Give yourself a break! Go for a brisk walk or run. Take a bath or listen to your favorite music. Just removing yourself from a stressful situation is often enough to let you get your head straight.
Happy holidays!
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