This is a great article about relieving holiday stress written in 2009 by my colleague Andrea Ramirez who I admire so much. She owns a
My Esteemed Colleague Andrea Ramirez
holistic business called True Nourishment. I enjoyed it so much and the tips are timeless so I thought I would share them with you today.
Have a great stress free holiday season!
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Overeating, over-planning and overspending. The end of the year, which is supposed to be a time of joy, reunion and celebration, ends up being, well, not. Here are 10 simple suggestions to help you truly celebrate and stay sane and healthy through January – and beyond.
1. Watch the sweets. It is easy to overindulge, but after the sugar high comes the sugar blues. Make a conscious effort to moderate your intake. And look for healthier dessert options. A cheap grocery store apple pie is not as satisfying as a home-baked one, full of healthy ingredients and love. If baking is not your thing, buy from a quality shop.
2. Eat with the season. There is a reason why there are so many apples, pumpkins and squashes around. Starchy vegetables and fruits deliver the right kind of carbs to keep you warm and help you cope with sugar cravings. The more satisfying your everyday diet, the less susceptible you’ll be to overeating at celebration dinners.
3. Plan and prioritize. It is always useful – and especially so during the holidays – to spend five minutes in the morning to plan your day. When shopping, always consider traffic (both cars and people) and go on a weekday morning if you can. Or research and buy online. This will also help you pick the better options.
4. Stick to a budget. One of the biggest sources of stress during – and after – the holidays is spending too much. Plan your budget and stick to it no matter what tempts you.
5. Reconsider gift-giving. Buying unnecessary stuff stresses your checkbook and your spirit. Propose alternatives. Have everyone draw a name from a hat, for example, to buy just one gift each, or chip in for a Broadway show and dinner. Make your own gifts or donate to charity in someone else’s name. Recover the value on the things that can’t be bought.
6. Share responsibilities. The holidays may not be the best time to practice your party-planning skills. Involve your family and friends. They will appreciate that more than a frazzled host, and it becomes a bonding experience, nourishing your relationships along with your tummy.
7. Keep your holiday expectations realistic. Most likely your life is not a TV show. Your parents may have an argument in the middle of Thanksgiving dinner. You may not get that iPad for Christmas. Just make the best out of the holidays by being present and enjoying what there is.
8. Consider volunteering. Especially if you are stuck in the city and can’t go home to see your family, volunteering is a great way to invest your holiday energy and avoid depression. Check out www.volunteermatch.org or www.nycares.org for local opportunities.
9. Set aside time alone. Family gatherings can be quite frantic and emotional. There is no better way to decompress than a couple of minutes by yourself. Anytime you start to feel overwhelmed, just quietly leave and take a walk around the block, breathe and recharge.
10. Give yourself something nice. A massage, a manicure, or an appointment with a holistic counselor. Or go for a movie. The best way to be helpful to others is by helping yourself.
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