Avoiding Christmas Stress

Does it seem like five minutes since last Christmas? Do the expectations, bombardment from all quarters, queuing at the post office, and incessant marketing rob you of joy and remembering the numerous songs reminding us “it’s the most won-der-ful time of the year”?

The expectations of what Christmas ‘should’ be like can lead to a highly stressful time. So how can we avoid stress and instead look forward to a fun, family time over Christmas and New Year?

Don’t decide to bolt the door and hide away from Christmas! Instead, prepare for it by deciding what you want to enjoy and achieve, and then follow the simple steps as Christmas approaches. Early planning works wonders! Know where you will be, or who will be at your place.

Create sensible expectations. I have been surprised and delighted at the number of people who have told me their families have decided to have a ‘sensible’ Christmas this year to ensure no one is left facing depressing debt when all the hoopla is over.

Communicate. Let people know if a huge gathering is too much for you, or if it is overwhelming for the entire clan to land on your doorstop, however much you love them!

Ask for help. Enlist the help of friends and family.

Save yourself from stressful situations. Have you tried online shopping? For less than it costs you for transport and parking, your friendly courier driver can deliver your parcels right to the front door.

Make new traditions. If you dread Christmas because it’s always the same, then make a change. Simplify.

Create boundaries. Stress can come from many directions – personal, family, financial and so on – but it is usually about unrealistic expectations. Set your limits and stick with them.

Relax. Seems impossible? Taking a few minutes to sit and breathe deeply can help you when it gets hectic, but there are lots of ways to de-stress; watch a film, listen to music, read, take time for yourself.

Exercise – take a stroll giving you a double benefit of time out from your busy schedule and looking after your physical wellbeing.

Decide what Christmas means to you – maybe peace and goodwill, remembering the birth of the baby in the stable, a busy family day, giving to others….or a myriad of other things, then pursue that goal.

Reach out. So many people find themselves alone at Christmas. If that’s your position, then gather a group of others about you, or help others at a community dinner. Think about including a neighbour in your family Christmas.

Try not to over-indulge! Don’t buy into the hype of over-spend, over-eat, and over-push-yourself-beyond-your-limits.

Take a few moments to take care of your brain and memory health – try the Memory Foundation Online Games. They are fun to do, and relaxing too.

By Dr Allison Lamont. Read more here.

Dr Allison Lamont is the clinician at the Auckland Memory Clinic. She is a co-founder, with her sister Gillian Eadie, of the Memory Foundation, and together they have co-authored several books and memory courses. You might consider gifting the book, 7-Day Brain Boost Plan to family or friends, to help them start on the way to a healthy brain and sharp memory.