|
|
November/December 2006
About the Cover
Ben Roethlisberger takes a break from practice at the Steelers’ South Side training facility.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dealing with Holiday Stress
By Richard G. Frey, Ph.D.
|
 It’s official -- the holiday season has arrived. This time of year is supposed to be filled with fun, family, friends, and holiday spirit. However, with the holiday season also comes unrelenting pressure and for many of us stress. You may find yourself thinking, “How can I possibly get everything done?” or “How am I supposed to find the time (and money) to buy gifts for everyone on my list?” For some, holiday stress doesn’t stop when the New Year rolls around. It persists throughout the year. Here are few suggestions to help manage holiday anxiety so that you may truly enjoy (and survive) the season.
Learn to manage your time wisely
Don’t put your life on hold due to additional responsibilities; learn to prioritize. If you find yourself constantly rearranging your schedule to accommodate holiday demands, you’re probably taking on too much. Seek support of friends and family when feeling overwhelmed. Planning ahead will alleviate last-minute anxieties. If you feel as though your body is taking a physical beating, take some time for yourself – get a massage, do some yoga or exercise.
Set a budget and stick to it
Before shopping for gifts, determine exactly how much money you have to spend on each person. Remember the old adage that money doesn’t buy happiness. Spending an excessive amount of money on gifts for someone isn’t going to make them love you more. If you feel the urge to buy more than you can afford, just think of the avalanche of stress you’ll feel in January when your credit card bills arrive. If you can’t afford it now, you can’t afford it later. And don’t be afraid to say no to children’s demands. Tell your children to be realistic when making their holiday lists.
Don’t throw healthy habits out the window
This time of year it is almost an automatic reflex to overindulge, especially with the many parties you’ll attend or while visiting friends and family. Resist the urge to overeat. Have a healthy snack or choose a low-fat appetizer before dinner. Consider using low-fat recipes when preparing holiday meals and fill containers with the leftovers for your guests to take home. Remember overindulgence will only add to stress you feel during and after the holidays.
Don’t expect perfection
Advertisements and television shows portray the holiday season as a magical time filled with happy endings. The real world may prove different. All of the special things you try to do over and above your already full schedules require extra time and effort. Unexpected things will come up. If you get stuck at work and miss your child’s holiday recital or if your mother’s criticism just doesn’t seem to stop, it’s not the end of the world. You can’t please everyone no matter what time of year it is.
Remember, if you try the above suggestions and nothing seems to help your stress, or if your anxiety continues well beyond the holidays, you may want to seek the help of a qualified professional.
|
|
| Richard G. Frey, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist, clinical director and founder of Cranberry Psychological Center, Inc. For a comprehensive list of services, please call 724-772-4848. Appointments available Monday-Saturday. Early morning and evening appointments available upon request. Visit the Website at www.cranberrypsychcenter.com or e-mail info@cranberrypsychcenter.com for further information. |
|
|
In the next issue of
Washington Crossroads
March/April 2008
Editorial Focus:
Travel
Space Reservation
Deadline:
February 18, 2008
Learn about advertising...
|
|
