Los Angeles, CA -
America's favorite family therapist, acclaimed psychologist Dr. Joyce Brothers, is checking her list twice and offering stress-free tips for the holiday season. Dr. Joyce Brothers's tips are designed to get you through the holidays with comfort and ease and help you remember what the holidays are all about-spending time with loved ones.
"There are different types of stress that one can experience throughout the holiday season," says Dr. Joyce Brothers. "Normal stress is when the body mobilizes energy, concentration and power. Distress is when the body and mind continue their state of alarm beyond the time it's needed, and eustress is that fine feeling that comes from rising to a challenge and meeting it successfully."
By following these useful tips, Americans are more likely to experience eustress, embrace the holiday madness and revel with cheer.
· Plan Ahead. Take a few minutes to make a list and use a calendar. Don't try to keep it all in your head.
· Keep Shopping Stress-Free. Shopping is not a contact sport, and everyone knows it's more convenient and less stressful to shop online. The important aspect to consider is shopping online from a brand you can trust, such as Amazon.com, which has such a vast selection that you can shop for everyone on your list.
· Be Aware of Your Feelings. Family gatherings can stir up old feelings-recognize and accept them, as repressed feelings can cause emotional and physical problems.
· Take Care of Yourself. Frustration can accumulate during the holidays. If all else fails, a good cry can help reduce stress. Shedding tears is healthful and safer than most medicines, and can protect you from stress-related illnesses.
· Adjust Your Attitude. Adopt a more friendly, outgoing and confident attitude. Limit your contact with grouches, because irritation is catching too.
· Remember You. Plan to do at least one thing that you want to do, in addition to those things you need to do for others.
· Calm Things Down. When irritation rises, listen to a holiday tune and refocus on the true meaning of the holidays.
· Don't Try to Do Everything. It's OK to say no when your calendar is filled and you're feeling overwhelmed.
· Use Your Support Systems. If you're lonely or there are errands that need to get done, reach out to your family and friends.
· Establish a Tradition. Begin a personal or family tradition (such as an annual sleigh ride). It will be something you look forward to year after year.
"The most important thing to remember is that holidays are fun, not an obligation," says Dr. Joyce Brothers. "Make sure to laugh and have a great time."
"There are different types of stress that one can experience throughout the holiday season," says Dr. Joyce Brothers. "Normal stress is when the body mobilizes energy, concentration and power. Distress is when the body and mind continue their state of alarm beyond the time it's needed, and eustress is that fine feeling that comes from rising to a challenge and meeting it successfully."
By following these useful tips, Americans are more likely to experience eustress, embrace the holiday madness and revel with cheer.
· Plan Ahead. Take a few minutes to make a list and use a calendar. Don't try to keep it all in your head.
· Keep Shopping Stress-Free. Shopping is not a contact sport, and everyone knows it's more convenient and less stressful to shop online. The important aspect to consider is shopping online from a brand you can trust, such as Amazon.com, which has such a vast selection that you can shop for everyone on your list.
· Be Aware of Your Feelings. Family gatherings can stir up old feelings-recognize and accept them, as repressed feelings can cause emotional and physical problems.
· Take Care of Yourself. Frustration can accumulate during the holidays. If all else fails, a good cry can help reduce stress. Shedding tears is healthful and safer than most medicines, and can protect you from stress-related illnesses.
· Adjust Your Attitude. Adopt a more friendly, outgoing and confident attitude. Limit your contact with grouches, because irritation is catching too.
· Remember You. Plan to do at least one thing that you want to do, in addition to those things you need to do for others.
· Calm Things Down. When irritation rises, listen to a holiday tune and refocus on the true meaning of the holidays.
· Don't Try to Do Everything. It's OK to say no when your calendar is filled and you're feeling overwhelmed.
· Use Your Support Systems. If you're lonely or there are errands that need to get done, reach out to your family and friends.
· Establish a Tradition. Begin a personal or family tradition (such as an annual sleigh ride). It will be something you look forward to year after year.
"The most important thing to remember is that holidays are fun, not an obligation," says Dr. Joyce Brothers. "Make sure to laugh and have a great time."
News, photos provided by Newstream
