Stress
less - during the holidays and always!
What
do seniors, caregivers, baby boomers, working parents, volatile
teenagers (and everybody in between) have in common?
Stress. And plenty of it.
Stress
comes from positive events - like the upcoming holidays - as well
as negative or uncertain ones (world events, work pressures,
health issues, etc.).
Make time
for yourself
The tougher
the times, the more vital it is that you find ways to shore up
your inner resources. This means feeling happy and having
fun.
Try
renewing old hobbies and activities you enjoyed in the past. Get
out and socialize with friends and family - and invite folks to
your home.
Can't
think of any enjoyable pastimes? Sit down and consider
what might light you up (even a smidge) and do it.
Fresh
out of ideas? It might be time to talk to a counselor
about how you're feeling.
Seek support
Talking
with friends and family about what is bothering you puts those
troubles in perspective. Use your support network as a
sounding board for figuring out possibilities and welcome their
comfort, encouragement, and reassurance.
Family
and friends help you feel loved and secure, reminding you of
what is important in your life.
Take care
of yourself
Eat
healthy and regular meals (cutting back on alcohol and caffeine).
Exercise. Get enough sleep each night. If you're
having trouble going to sleep or staying asleep, talk to your
doctor.
Tune out the news
It's
tempting to leave the television or radio on all the time, but
that can take an emotional toll. Try reducing your news
intake, just to see if this leaves you less anxious.
Set
guidelines regarding the daily news... How will you get
your news - via TV, radio, newspaper, or the Internet?
When and for how long - morning or evening, a few minutes or
half an hour?
See if
you can't find ways to stay current without becoming emotionally
overwhelmed (Are you calmer when reading than watching TV?).
Help others
Taking
the focus off of yourself is a wonderful
stress-buster.
Look
for ways to contribute your abilities and time, to those in your
immediate community and also far away. Stuck at home? Go
online to share experiences, support and comfort with folks in
need.
Improvise.
Devise creative ways to help other people, and take your mind
off your own anxieties.
Ask for help
Monitor
how well you are coping.
Stay
alert to changes in appetite, sleep difficulties, loss of
interest in your usual activities, irritability, obsessive (or
uncontrollable) thoughts, difficulty focusing, and overwhelming
guilt.
If you
are highly anxious or unable to function, talk to a
professional. Most likely, you won't need long-term therapy,
just some timely assistance.
Stress Less while Traveling
Plan to
visit family over Thanksgiving or Christmas? Such
get-togethers can be fun and
meaningful. Except for the occasional
glitch! Take along a personal comfort bag, though,
and you're ready for the odd stressor.
The form your comfort bag
takes will likely vary with
your trip. Going by car? You might opt for a
large basket or box. Flying? A large purse or
backpack would suffice.
The secret is to fill your comfort bag
with items that provide security, distraction, and
relaxation. Here are some ideas to get you rolling:
For soothing:
For distraction:
For relaxation:
More.
Convert your comfort bag into an essentials bag by adding
quick pick-me-ups (cold water, upbeat music, tart candy) and
emergency aids (cell phone, phone list, extra meds, maps,
pocket change, kleenex, blanket and extra clothes).
Now you're really prepared! |