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How to Survive
Holidays are stressful – even for Seabrookers. The major reason for the stress is that reality does not meet the expectations. Expectations are set high by all the media advertisements, the countless joyous holiday movies (rebroadcast every year), and the seemingly endless number of holiday parties (where only a Grinch would be out of sorts). Of course, the reality is we are the same people during the holidays as any other time and things are not always perfect – we might have suffered a major loss, we might have a chronic illness, we certainly have friends and even family with whom we are not totally happy to see. So the major stress of the holidays is expectations that don’t meet reality.
Of course, that’s not the only reason that the holiday season brings stress. There are a host of contributing causes. First, of all our routines are interrupted and this affects our rest. Then there are the dietary indiscretions that inevitably occur at the series of parties. Throw in alcohol that seems to be more plentiful than ever during the holidays and this contributes to poor judgment in many things. Travel is often a part of the holidays – either Seabrookers going to see children or other family or having visitors to the island and home. Travel itself is stressful, especially these days given the problems with the airport security and fewer flights. House guests (yes, family are your guests) make for an especially stressful time with meal preparations and planning of events so that all those under the roof are “entertained.” For some on fixed budgets the holidays pose some financial problems due to the gifts, parties, travel and general spirit of the time (nobody wants to seem like Scrooge.)
Survival Plan
There is a way to survive the holidays. There are numerous tips or techniques for regular stress that also apply to holiday stress. I’ll list some things that apply to all types of stress. Acknowledge your feelings and see if you can change the way you are approaching the holidays. If you feel dread or negative about the time, say to yourself exactly how you feel, and then try to find something positive and good about the time. Look for some positive no matter how many negatives seem apparent. Communicate your feelings to your family and closest friends – do not suffer needlessly alone. Do not hesitate to refuse some of the many invitations and obligations that come your way. Keep balance in your life. Be sure to stay as close to a non-holiday schedule as possible. Include exercise that balances all the food that inevitably you will eat. Keep alcohol to moderate levels. Be certain that you make time for yourself – relaxation is important for you during this time. It shouldn’t be put off until after the holidays – take a walk, listen to music, read your book, play golf or tennis – anything that treats yourself to important self-indulgence to balance all the time with others. It is important to grieve at this time as well for those lost to you – spouses, family friends, your health, and the host of other sadnesses of the year and previous years. Finally, this is a time of happiness, right – well, then take very opportunity to expose yourself to those things that are humorous and bring you laughter. This can be books, tapes, movies or watching the three stooges on the movie channel. Whatever it is, have some laughs to ward off the stresses of the holidays. And, don’t forget that the holidays will be over soon enough and then it will be back to normal life on the islands – and you will have survived another holiday season, actually enjoying them more than usual!
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