Ten Ways to Reduce Holiday Stress © Copyright, 2008, PreventiCare® Publishing

Ten Ways to Reduce Holiday Stress

© Copyright, 2008, PreventiCare® Publishing

Fun and Stress

The holiday season can be fun …

but it can also be marked by over-commitments and stress.


The Stress/Health Link

Chiropractors emphasize the

connection between emotional stress and

physical health

Following are tips for a stress-free holiday …


Holiday Stress Buster No. 1: Check With the Doctor

Chiropractic care …

stress

reduces boosts

immune function

and the related spinal dysfunction


Holiday Stress Buster No. 2: Maintain a Healthy Diet

Yes, it is possible amidst the holiday parties and treats…

• Limit tempting food favorites to one per event

• Design festive fruit trays for parties

• Make craft items as hostess gifts

• Cook with olive oil, not butter

• Eat several healthy snacks before a party


Holiday Stress Buster No. 3: Exercise

Aerobic exercise reduces stress hormones

Get creative this month! Try:

• Ice skating

• Dancing to holiday music

• Walking around the neighborhood to see holiday lights


Holiday Stress Buster No. 4: Avoid Holiday Debt

• Create a holiday budget – and stick to it.

• Shorten your gift list with a name exchange.

• Host a holiday pot-luck.


Holiday Stress Buster No. 5: Stay Flexible

Many people have unrealistic expectations for the holidays, particularly how family members will interact.

This is a major source of holiday-related stress.

• Keep an open mind.

• Adapt quickly when things don’t go as planned.

This year:


Holiday Stress Buster No. 6: Keep It Simple

• Simplify meal planning.

• Make dishes ahead of time and reheat.

• Ask each guest to bring a dish.

Relaxed fun is more important than perfection.


Holiday Stress Buster No. 7: Be Organized

1. Make lists for groceries and gifts -- and stick to them.

2. Make a packing list if traveling.

3. Pack a couple days before traveling.

4. Allow extra time for travel.


Holiday Stress Buster No. 8: Start Early

• Shop early to avoid lines and chaos.

• Don’t wait until the last minute to mail gifts.

• Shop online early for free shipping or other promotional offers.


Start holiday shopping!

Holiday Stress Buster No. 9: Appreciate What You Have

• Stop and smell the roses.

• Remember that the holidays only come once a year --

• Appreciate the simple things that you may be taking for granted.

and that each year is a gift.


Holiday Stress Buster No. 10: Take a Break

• Take time out to do something you enjoy.

• Preventing stress-related illness should be a priority.

• Treat yourself to a massage, an hour alone with a good book, or dinner out.


Pick up a Copy of the “Ten Ways to Reduce Holiday” Stress OHU

For more on this topic, please pick up a copy of the corresponding OHU handout.

Share the OHU handout with friends, family, co-workers, etc. Just let us know how many you need.

Look to the OHU for citations to research on this topic.


Documents

Ten Ways to Reduce Holiday Stress © Copyright, 2008, PreventiCare® Publishing