Self-Help Tips: Stress-free holidays
The holidays are a time to relax with family and friends. Too much stress can harm your health and increase your risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Take care of yourself
- Get enough sleep, so you can keep up with the demands of the holiday.
- Plan some downtime with those you value most - holidays are about family and friends. Make use of a calendar to avoid over-committing yourself.
- Maintain an active exercise routine to keep your energy, boost your immune system, and keep your mood up!
- Take time to eat properly and well.
Shop with a plan
- Plan ahead. Reflect on what is important or special for you - and what you can do without. Block off time in your calendar over several weeks to shop or run errands.
- Shop early. Avoid getting swept up in the last-minute shopping frenzy, or consider purchasing gifts over the internet.
- Set realistic expectations with shopping and events. High expectations could cause stress if things don't work out as planned.
- Stick to a budget to avoid overspending and to make decision-making easier.
Enjoy the season
- The holidays are more than a dash to the mall. Enjoy small things - like the first snowfall or family traditions.
- Holidays can be a lonely time for some. You can get involved in community activities or focus on others by volunteering your time at a worthy cause.
These self-help tips are not intended as a substitute for medical advice from a health professional.