Are the Holidays a Blur?

By Phenola Moore

November comes and it’s on! From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, some are running around trying to get things prepared for families like shopping, decorating, cooking, traveling, etc. And don’t forget the school and church events that you have to attend.

Before you know it, the holidays are gone and the sad part about it is that it’s mostly a blur. You’re exhausted and why? Because you’ve overextended yourself and didn’t take time to settle down to enjoy the one (God) who made all of this possible?

In the article, “Don't Let Stress Ruin Your Holidays: Some Stress Reduction Strategies,” Lynne Neary, Chicago mother of two said "About two weeks into the season, I feel like I’m ready to capsize" "This year I’m determined to get through the holidays with a minimum amount of stress."

“According to the American Institute of Stress, more than 110 million Americans take medication for stress related causes each week. When the holidays come along, people already predispositioned to stress can find themselves feeling blue and more stressed out than usual” (http://www.healingwell.com/library/health/alden1.asp).

So, stop the madness right now! Re-evaluate your schedule for the next few weeks and edit it by deciding on what you can and cannot do. No, it’s not selfish but it actually may be beneficial to your health.

And using power phrases like, “No, I can’t commit to it.” or “Not this year.” will let others know your boundaries. Because in all that you do, you need to rest, too (now, that’s a catchy phrase – LOL).

And think about what you can do that is fun and relaxing. Maybe a leisurely ride through neighborhoods looking at Christmas lights, attending a sports event with family and/or friends or curling up on the couch, while watching your favorite television show or movie.

You have the power to slow it down, so that the later part of 2012 will not be a blur.

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