citizensmemorial.com 11 It’s that “most wonderful time of the year” again, and you’ve got happy visions of cozy times with family and friends and perfect meals and presents, right? Let’s examine those visions. Fantasy: You stock up on gift cards and leave the cooking, cleaning, decorating, shopping and wrapping to someone else. Reality: You’ve got more to do than ever, with cards to send; cookies to bake; and kids, relatives, friends and teachers to shop for. And what about all that decorating you need to do to set the stage for the festivities? With so much going on during the holidays, it can be challenging to enjoy the season. But take heart—the following holiday tips can help you stress less and increase your enjoyment quotient. WELLNESS Downsize holiday stress 1. Track your spending. Financial stress can put a dam per on the holidays. Set a realistic budget and keep tabs on your spending with a daily list. Scale back instead of straining your budget. Talk to your kids about setting realistic expectations and remind them that the holidays are about making memories, not expensive gifts. 2. Take it a step further. No time to exercise? Shoppercise. Add more activity to your busy days by taking a few quick laps around the mall before going into any stores, by taking the stairs instead of the escalator and by deliberately parking far from the shopping center entrance. 3. Take time to recharge. Amid all the holiday hustle and bustle, treat yourself to some downtime with yoga. Or take a quiet walk at your local park or around your neighborhood to see the lights and sights. 4. Load up on healthy food choices. During the holidays, food isn’t just food, it’s an indulgence loaded with delicious tradition. You don’t have to completely deny yourself. Healthy-up your plate at holiday parties by filling it with fruit and vegetables first, reserving a small portion for anything else you may want, even if it’s less healthy. Be sure to sit down to savor each and every bite. 5. Keep the conversation light. Family sparks can fly during the holidays, but this is a time to find neutral ground. If you’re concerned about tension at family gatherings and differences of opinion, steer the conversation away from controversial topics. Focus on happy memories and common ground. Sources: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; American Psychological Association; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: U.S. Department of Agriculture 5 ways to put the wraps on holiday overload
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