Image by sibhusky2 via Flickr
At this time of year, many of our clients and Working Well Massage team members are celebrating holidays. Regardless of your faith or religious beliefs, most people feel extra stress during the holidays. There are more people on the road driving to stores and to holiday events. There is more time spent traveling in general. More time spent eating more and exercising less. Many of us spend time with friends and family. Others feel the grief of previously lost loved ones more intensely this time of year. And for families with loved ones that are physically ill or psychologically troubles, the holidays can bring extra stress.
For these reasons, I offer you a few pointers on getting through the holidays with the least amount of trouble possible:
1. Make sure you plan extra time for travel. I know this sounds cliché and obvious, but many of us try to pack so much into each day and the holidays are no exception. My solution, do less. Slow down. Enjoy the time you spend on the road or in a plane, bus or train. Bring a good book or magazines to read. Play word games with family members and small children. Crossword puzzles, sudoku and the game of “hangman” help us keep our brains strong and our memories sharp while helping us enjoy, not merely pass the time, while we travel.
2. Feel free to sample the various snacks, and holiday treats but use a smorgasbord mentality. Try a little of everything, but don’t over do. And if you are sensitive to salt, fats or sugar, make sure you bring your own snacks or treats to holiday events so you don’t feel left out or tempted when others eat foods that cause you health problems. I can’t eat refined sugars and I like to bring some fruit or Larabar treats to events so I have my own snack while others are chomping down on baklava and chocolate turtles!
3. Be kind to yourself and others. And enjoy the moments you have with loved ones. And,
Have a safe and happy holiday season!
Working Well Resources' Blog 