 By
Dr. Maoshing Ni, L.Ac., D.O.M., Ph.D.
The holidays are a time of joy, love, family
and friendship; though many of us may not like to admit it, the holidays
are also a time of stress. Find out what measures you can take to manage
the stress and heighten the joy!
The Stress Factor at Holiday Time
Between the physical demands of traveling and socializing, and the
emotional aspects of meeting with family, holiday time can potentially
be very taxing. Environmental factors, even on a subtle scale, can also
influence the general mood.
For example, at family gatherings during the holidays, emotions from the
past often come up between family members. The abundance of sugar and
alcohol, paired with the insufficient daylight of short winter days can
further heighten emotional reactions and stress.
Without the proper outlook and adequate time-outs for relaxation, we get
our nerves and emotions wound up into a tight ball, leaving us stressed,
drained of energy, and in the wrong frame of mind to enjoy our loved
ones.
1. Slow Down and Lighten Up
Most of us make our holiday plans first and then figure out how we're
going to manage the logistics later. This sort of over-commitment and
attempt to please everyone is sure to lead to stress and hurt feelings.
Realize your limitations first and cut back on the commitments in your
calendar of events. The more you lighten your load, the more you will
enjoy your friends and family when you are at a gathering.
2. Be in the Present
Start off your day with an intention of being aware and in the present
all through the day. Create and declare an affirmation that will set the
tone of your whole day. For example: "Today I want to be clear in my
mind, so that I can make the correct decisions. I want to be healthy and
connected to my loved ones and myself."
Not only will you be better equipped to cope with stress, you might even
find some new perspectives that you didn't see before. When you start
with awareness, you have the opportunity to enjoy a healthy outlook and
a good mood all through the day.
3. Naptime: Not Just For Children
How many of us feel guilty when we are not constantly in motion? Most
parents know that overtired and hurried children are headed for a
breakdown.
Unfortunately, adults are woefully unaware of the impact of stress on
their own emotional lives. Rest and relaxation are crucial for renewal
and balance, and never more than at holidays when we are constantly
conversing with family members and speedily traveling from one place to
the next with crowded throngs of other holiday-goers.
Activities for children like naptime and quiet time are designed to help
them rest. You can also benefit from structured times for relaxation.
Even a 15-minute nap or meditation session by your self can reinvigorate
you.
4. Be Thankful
Sometimes when you are in a bad mood, it helps to put your life in
perspective. If your basic needs are being met, be thankful. If you are
surrounded by friends and loved ones, be thankful. Add up everything you
are thankful for in your head and see if your mood doesn't improve.
5. Hit Your Reset Button with Breathing Exercise
For thousands of years meditation has been practiced in the East as a
tool for inner peace and spirituality. This doesn't mean you have to be
on a remote mountaintop to meditate. You can do it anywhere and at any
time; all you really need is a quiet corner. Meditation is a great
method to decompress and melt tension away during your busy day.
Try this breathing exercise, adapted from Chinese qigong meditation.
Slow down and deepen each breath you take. With every exhalation, utter
the word calm in your mind and breathe out the tension from each part of
your body, beginning from the top of your head and working your way down
to your feet. Release the remaining tension through your toes and the
bottoms of your feet. You will be amazed at how energized you feel!
I hope you have a joyful holiday season! I invite you to visit often and
share your own personal health and longevity tips with me.
May you live long, live strong, and live happy!
-Dr. Mao |
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