Tips to Avoid Succumbing to Christmas Stress
During Christmas, more than ever, it is advisable to follow the protocol at the table to avoid conflicts, so you should not:
1. Avoid talking about politics.
2. Avoid talking about money.
3. Avoid talking about religion.
But the holidays, which bring so much joy to the little ones in the house, can be a source of stress for adults. The obsession with creating unique memories, the need to satisfy everyone's wishes, the desire to indulge in the best recipes... can overwhelm even the most prepared and end the Christmas joy in any home.
Experts from the psychology and psychotherapy unit at Juaneda Hospitals offer some tips to avoid succumbing to Christmas stress.
How not to be carried away by Christmas stress: a few days before the holidays
Before the celebrations arrive, it's time to face the stress that is already brewing in the air. To avoid it, psychologists recommend following these tips:
- One of the most important aspects is to avoid economic catastrophes. Just because it's Christmas doesn't mean anything goes. You must know how to restrain the children and plan a budget in line with the month's earnings.
- The brain does not distinguish between real problems and imaginary ones. It gets "stressed" just as much with the former as with the latter. For this reason, it's important not to dwell on fatalism and try not to anticipate anything negative.
- Focus on the here and now. A walk under the Christmas lights, a gift wrapped with care, a sincere toast, or a good conversation are the best medicine for anxiety.
- Christmas is not synonymous with extra pounds.Watch what you eat and drink and try not to overindulge. And of course, don't neglect physical exercise because it can be harder to get back into good habits later.
- These days, it's normal to stay up later than usual, or for all schedules to change irreversibly. With children, it's important to get back into the routine on days that are not specifically for celebration, and adults also need to establish their rest and sleep hours beyond the party.
Another way to eliminate the nerves that precede these celebrations is to have things prepared in advance.
- Having the tableware ready, choosing a menu that can be ready well before the guests arrive, buying drinks and snacks well in advance... are little things that can help relieve tension during the celebrations.
- Santa Claus and the Three Wise Men need to prepare in advance. This is why it's important for the little ones to write their letters, accompanied, days in advance, and make it very clear what their preferences are.
- Not everything that is asked for must arrive without fail, and this premise applies to both children and adults. You must know how to say no in all situations, including gifts, in which we are not comfortable.
- Lonely Christmas? Family, friends, acquaintances... there are more people in this situation. Coming together for these dates can be a new path for everyone.
And of course: let's share tasks. All members of a family must commit to making the holidays happy for everyone. Helping in the preparation of celebrations is very nice, but you also must be there to clean up after meals and dinners, or when everything returns to normal.
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