Wazzup Pilipinas!?
Are you excited about Christmas? Is that even a question? It
is the favorite holiday season of most people. But some people may feel
overwhelmed with the profusion of it. Especially if you are an adult, many
people are counting on you. For them, you are Santa Claus. Expectations,
pressure, and money issues at this time can affect your health a lot. The
tension can cause stress, anxiety, and depression; it can also cause panic
attacks. If you leave these issues unaddressed, they can cause crucial damage
to your health like heart attacks, diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.
We have jotted down a few easy ways to relieve your stress and enjoy your
Christmas.
Spend wisely
Financial problems are the top reasons for
stress during the holiday season. Gifts for your loved ones, parties,
entertainment, food, and travel, burn your pocket fast; we all fall prey to
Christmas shopping. No, we are not suggesting that you should stop shopping.
But you have to be careful about how much you can afford. Set a budget for all
of your expenses. Pay your regular bills like rent, electricity bills, water
bills, EMIs first. You can make a list and color code them according to a
priority basis.
No one wants to fall short on their regular
payments. Then plan your Christmas week with the budget you have left. Include
all the possible scenarios. Like if you are likely to throw a party, set a
budget for that. Spend less time in shopping places and shopping websites. You
can carry cash and leave your credit and debit cards at home to avoid
overspending. Make a checklist and keep track of the money from the budget you
have left. If you are going through a financially difficult time, ask for help
from your family and friends to celebrate Christmas. You do not have to do it
alone. Remember, gifts are not the only essential thing about Christmas. Avoid
using drugs, alcohol, or smoking to reduce stress. They are not helpful at all.
Getting SUD (Substance use
disorder) is not going to make your Christmas beautiful.
Be
realistic:
You may plan a “perfect” Christmas, but you
have to keep in mind that no event ever went on as planned. There are always
tiny mishaps taking place here and there. And that is what makes it memorable.
Yes, we feel bad about it at that moment, but later on, it becomes a great
memory to talk about in a gathering. Spilled contaminants on your party dress,
a little too much-roasted turkey, or sour lemonade, or a dissymmetric tree
cannot ruin your Christmas if you do not let it. So, take a breather and enjoy
it. And that goes for the kids in the house too. Let them know they cannot get
everything on their list. Make sure they know what acceptable and obtainable
gift items are. Christmas is not about luxury and expensive gifts; always keep
that in mind.
Steer
clear of overindulging:
Christmas is the time when we get to enjoy the tastiest foods in the world. From cakes, cookies, turkey, steak to pumpkin-spiced latte and eggnog. Well, it is too delicious to say no. But keep in mind that we do not want to put on unhealthy weight. Building up unhealthy weight over the years can cause health issues like obesity. So, try to maintain a healthy regular diet. Do not skip meals. Eat high-protein foods and shakes, probiotics like yogurt, and healthy smoothies. We do not want you to miss the seasonal treats, enjoy them. Just try to control the portion.
Overindulging one day would not cause much
problem. You can have a cheat day. But get back on track ASAP. Try to be
active; do some exercises. It will help you avoid unhealthy weight gain and
also help you deal with stress. You do not have to go to a gym; you can do a
few light stretches or do yoga at home. It will keep your mind clear and get
quality sleep at night. You will feel more energetic and productive the next
day.
CBD can
also help:
CBD or cannabidiol is a plant chemical with
various therapeutic benefits. People all over the world are in love with its
effects. It is non-psychoactive and has analgesic and anti-inflammatory
properties. It helps to reduce stress, alleviate anxiety and depression; it
calms your brain and stretches your muscles. It is also helpful in dealing with
other stress-related disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD,
obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD, social anxiety disorder or SUD, etc. If
you think a little help will help you enjoy your Christmas better, take CBD.
There are several different CBD products available in the market. Like, CBD
gummies, oils, tinctures, and capsules. You can check Sunday Scaries CBD.
Be positive. You are strong enough to beat the
holiday stress. If you run low on budget, you can always think of heartfelt
inexpensive gifts. Like, breakfast in bed or a handmade Christmas card. The
people who love you want to see you happy. So, do not overthink or stress about
it. Have fun, work together, and stay healthy. And remember, laughter beats
stress anytime, any day.
Learn to
say “no”
A lot of people globally struggle to say “no,” especially introverts. Saying no is not a bad thing; it does not make you weak. If you want to throw a party and only want your family and close friends to attend, only invite them. Hosting a big party can be stressful. Ask for help from friends and family. You do not have to arrange everything alone. Working together will help strengthen your bond. You will also feel less stressed about preparation. If one person is cooking for everyone, that will take them the whole day. No one has to spend their Christmas in the kitchen. With everyone’s help, you can cook a delicious meal for everybody quickly. Taking more responsibilities than you can handle is not fun, and it can make you feel stressed or anxious. Be calm and make your decisions wisely.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
