I can imagine my children asking me what do I have to stress about. I don’t have the social drama of dating; I am not dealing with the stress of a new job; and I don’t have to find quality childcare for the kids. But I can find plenty to stress about! What does that pain in my chest or in my stomach mean? Why do I keep forgetting where I put my glasses? And what does it mean “forever”?
Stress can be defined as a state of worry or mental tension caused by our need to adapt to change. And there are many sources of change: environmental stressors (e.g., weather), social stressors (family responsibilities), physiological stressors (illness), and cognitive stressors, (need to be “perfect”).
Stress happens to all of us, and it can be beneficial. But it becomes a problem when it starts interfering with our functioning and daily activities. And that can occur particularly during the holidays when there are new responsibilities, and we may feel less in control.
Here are some tips I found that can help manage stress, particularly during the holidays.
Acknowledge your feelings. If someone close to you has recently died or you can’t be with loved ones, realize that it’s normal to feel sadness and grief. You can’t force yourself to be happy just because it’s the holiday season.
Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious, or other social events. They can offer support and companionship. Volunteering your time to help others is also a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships.
Be realistic. The holidays don’t have to be perfect. You may want to do as I do: lower the bar. Someone needs to instead of trying to outdo each other’s family gathering. “I really enjoyed your Thanksgiving dinner. It was so much better than Scott’s last year!
Set aside differences. Holidays are a time to come together: to forgive and forget, and not a time to pull apart.
Stick to a budget. For example, give homemade gifts such as a knitted blanket. They are more appreciated and have more meaning than store-bought items.
Plan ahead and avoid the last-minute panic. If you start feeling everything is getting too hectic take a deep breath and make a plan. Try setting aside specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends, and other activities. Plan your menus and then make a shopping list. And friends will help – if you ask.
Learn to say “no”. Saying “yes” when you should say “no” can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and family will understand if you can’t participate in every activity. If it’s not possible to say no, remove one of your other activities to make room. There are only twenty-four hours in a day.
However, don’t abandon healthy habits. Eat well, get enough sleep, and don’t forget your regular physical activity whether it’s your daily walk or Strong People’s class.
Take a breather. Make some time for yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Find something that will clear your mind, slow your breathing, and restore your inner calm to reduce your stress.
As we begin another wonderful holiday season, don’t let any negative stress get you down so you can’t enjoy the holidays – and life.
Brain Tease. How many bricks does it take to complete a building made of brick?
The 1978 horror film in which a San Francisco health inspector and his colleague discover that humans are being replaced by alien duplicates is Invasion of the Body Snatchers. I received correct answers from Nancy Higgins, Eva Summers, Dave Lutgens, Jim Tindall, Judy Kiser, Bruce Johnson, and Deloris Schrader this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket. And last week I missed Mike Yarnell
The election is over, but in wasn’t over for this famous politician who after he lost the 1962 California gubernatorial election lashed out at the media and told reporters “you don’t have [me] to kick around anymore, because, gentlemen, this is my last press conference.” For this week’s “Remember When” question, who was this candidate who made a political comeback that seemed nearly impossible after his “last press conference”? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788, or send it with the bio of Pat Brown who in 1962 won his second term as California’s governor.
Well, it’s been another week, pushing clouds in the sky. Until we meet again, according to Zall’s Second Law, “How long a minute is, depends on which side of the bathroom door you’re on”.
“I am an optimist. It does not seem too much use being anything else.” Winston Churchill
Answers: ˙ǝuo ʇsɐl ǝɥ┴ ˙ǝuo ʎluO
