Don’t Let Holiday Stress take the Fun out of the Season!

Head off holiday anxiety early by coming up with a stress management technique that works for you before stress strikes. Research shows that you are likely to deal with stress in ways you already know, so make them the most effective strategies for you.

The next time you feel stressed, try a few of these strategies from the American Psychological Association. And remember, the more often you use these strategies, the more comfortable you’ll become with them.
• Get connected. Strong, healthy relationships with family and friends are important to your well-being. Think of the holidays as a time to reconnect with those around you. Don’t be afraid to accept help and support from those who can help alleviate your stress.
• Set realistic goals and plan ahead. Establish small, concrete steps to handle holiday tasks. Don’t overwhelm yourself with lofty goals that are too time-consuming for the hectic holiday season.
• Keep things in perspective. Put stressful situations into context by taking a long-term perspective. Work to avoid blowing events out of proportion.
• Take care of yourself. Pay attention to your own needs during the holiday season. Participate in activities that you enjoy and find relaxing.
If you need help learning strategies that will work for you, try our proven Stress Free Now online program with relaxation techniques, step-by-step instructions and daily support!

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Jouranal to Reduce Stress

Feeling frustrated? Journaling about difficult times or lofty goals makes it easier for you to manage stress and put a smile on your face.

Research shows that writing about your grievances — as well as your hopes and dreams — can lower stress levels, speed up healing and boost your mood. To commit yourself to the practice, invest in a journal in which you will enjoy writing.

 

Manage Stress through Positive Thinking…yes, for real!

Deflect stressful situations by keeping a gratitude journal. Practicing positive thinking helps you manage stress better.

Why is it that some days every little nuisance bounces off of you, while on other days you feel like you just can’t cope? The answer: your outlook. Research shows that optimists are better than pessimists at dealing with stress. Positive thinking — you know, seeing the glass as half full — is key to effective stress management. Maintaining a good attitude when things aren’t going your way takes the sting out of otherwise stressful situations because you realize that you can, in fact, handle them. To practice seeing the roses before the thorns, take periodic breaks throughout the day to assess your thoughts. Write them down and, if they’re mostly negative, rewrite them in a way that puts a positive spin on them. You may also want to keep a daily gratitude journal. Each night, jot down three things that you were grateful for that day. It could be as simple as the sound of a bird chirping or the compliment you got from your coworker. Make a habit of noticing the positives in life so that it becomes more natural for you.

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Walking Can Help Prevent Negativity & Stress

To protect against bad moods and stress, exercise regularly. A 30-minute walk most days of the week can help prevent negativity and stress.

Picture this: You had a long day, but now, as you’re grooving to your music and breathing in the smell of fresh-cut grass as you walk through the park, you feel your stress (and that afternoon cookie) melt away. “Exercise is not only for losing weight and looking better. It helps you feel better mentally,” says Melissa Hendricks, M.Ed, manager of the Cleveland Clinic Fitness Centers. “People who exercise moderately for at least 30 minutes a day tend to have more overall energy throughout the day, handle stressful situations better, and sleep more restfully. Combined, all of these can help you perform your daily tasks more efficiently and with better results,” she says. The fact that physical activity fends off stress is nothing new. But newer research suggests that exercise also stimulates the creation of new brain connections that help induce calm even in the face of stress. Since motivating yourself to exercise during a period of high stress or anxiety can be a challenge, says Hendricks, try using exercise as a way to calm your mind and body. “Walking, yoga and tai chi are all great physical activities that can help you feel more calm and less anxious.”