Anticipating the Holidays
You may only have begun checking the names off of shopping lists and planning for visits by your relatives, but the holidays are approaching, ready or not.
And with enticing television ads, clever store displays and countless festivities, some of us will end up with financial, physical and emotional challenges or even the classic “holiday blues.”
This year, adopt a healthy mindset ahead of time to make sure Christmas and New Year’s don’t get the best of you.
The holidays are anything but fun if they cause stress, fatigue and depression. Holiday “blues” can result from financial limitations, unrealistic expectations, family get-togethers and continual entertaining. This season doesn’t have to become a nightmare, though.
“Some simple prioritizing and organization can prevent unnecessary stress and depression for many people,” says Alan Unis, MD, director of Psychiatry Services at Sacred Heart.
Here are the tips he offers:
- Prioritize your activities—be realistic about what you can do.
- Do something for someone else—volunteer or collect gifts for a local charity.
- Enjoy the free stuff. Go for a drive to look at Christmas light displays, play in the snow and attend holiday concerts at local schools or churches.
- Avoid alcohol—it can make depression worse!
- Spend time with people who are supportive and caring.
“And on the flip side, if you’re not the one at risk for holiday blues but know someone who is, remember to look for ways to provide relief,” says Dr. Unis. “Inviting a single friend or an elderly person to go to a family function or holiday program can make a big difference.”
Healthy eating
Those chocolate-covered, cinnamon-scented, freshly-baked holidays are just around the corner, but you don’t have to dread the onslaught of parties, food gifts and family meals.
“Adopt the motto, ‘I won’t deprive, I will just decide,” says Kerry Scott, manager of Clinical Nutrition at Sacred Heart.
Kerry offers these tips:
- Stick to a routine of exercise. You’ll feel better, sleep better and eat better.
- As you head out shopping, take a healthy snack (like dried fruit, a low-cal breakfast bar or nuts).
- Have a piece of fruit or a small salad before going to a holiday party.
- Share the goods. If you receive two pounds of fudge, take it to your next meeting or leave it in the break room at work.
- Modify your favorite traditional dishes to cut out calories and fat. For example, whip mashed potatoes with chicken broth and fat-free sour cream or yogurt instead of butter and whole milk.
“Remember,” says Kerry, “You don’t have to eliminate the foods you love. Just limit your portions and share the goodies with others.”
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