Many of us would admit to feeling stressed at certain times in our lives and Christmas, an expensive and busy period for most of us, is being forced upon us earlier each year, prolonging the agony. Christmas is supposed to be a joyful and happy time filled with merriment and feelings of goodwill but the reality is that this tends to be the most stressful time of the year for most people. Financial pressures, increased workload, and family obligations can add to what is already a stressful existence for people and many are not even aware of how stressed they really are. There are a number of symptoms that may indicate an elevation in stress levels. The most common of these are:
• Increased use of stimulants such as tea, coffee, or cigarettes;
• Headaches;
• Muscular tension;
• Irritability;
• Anxiety;
• Fatigue;
• Poor or interrupted sleeping pattern;
• Lack of appetite;
• Increased use of drugs, alcohol or sleeping tablets;
• Low moods or depression.
The key to overcoming stress is to recognise its causes and take steps to manage or eliminate them. Stress is not the job, the traffic, the arguments, etc; these are known as stressors, and it is our response to these stressors that constitutes stress. Common stressors include:
Customary Anticipated Events: Such as Christmas, weddings, moving home, changing jobs, etc.
Personality stress: This covers issues such as lack of assertiveness, shyness, low self esteem, lack of confidence, feelings of jealousy and resentment. Being unable to say no can cause us to take on more work than we can cope with. During the Christmas period, a lack of assertiveness can cause us to agree to certain family commitments that may cause even more stress.
Progressive Accumulating Events: These include boredom with career, cumulative job related issues, and conflict with spouse or children
Unexpected Life Events: Job loss, accidents, illness or death of a loved one.
Many of these stressors are magnified during the Christmas period. There are, however, a number of ways to reduce your stress levels in the run up to Christmas:
Breathe: Using the breath is one of the simplest ways to reduce stress levels. Deeper and controlled breathing relaxes muscles, improves blood flow, and helps you to feel more alert and in control.
Know your limitations: learning to say no will reduce the amount of demands on your time and energy.
Budget: Set a budget and stick to it. Christmas really is only one day, you don't want to spend the whole of next year paying for it!
Make a list: Santa does it and so should you. Making a list means you will manage your time better and you won’t stress over forgotten presents etc
Enjoy it: let your hair down and have some fun, laughter really is the best medicine
Sarah Curran, www.emotionalwellbeingclinic.com
Six week Stress Management and Relaxation course for a stress-free Christmas starting on Monday November 10 from 7.30pm to 9pm at Phoenix Yoga Studio, Mullingar. Cost: €120
For more information contact Sarah Curran on (087 ) 2447386.
